Shot in the dark - Any way to avoid the Metro North? (Yonkers: live in, cost)

[LCNY]

I commute into NYC (Grand Central) from Westchester using the Metro North, then hop on the subway downtown. With the recent rate hikes, I was wondering if there was an alternate way to get into the city without using the Metro North? Driving is out as that would be just as much if not more expensive. Thanks so much!

[7 Wishes]

The only way that would be cheaper would be to drive to somewhere in the Bronx and park near a subway. But often either A) the spaces all have meters and limits on long-term parking, B) there's little "free" street parking, or C) you are likely to get your car broken into, in that order.

From experience where I tried to do it for a very occasional trip to NYC, the place I had the most success (free, safe space) was near the "D" train Bedford Park Blvd. subway station (and you have the option with a bit of a walk to go to the same street's station on the elevated "4" line as well).

Your next best bets combining all this criteria are the following in order based on my experience (using all the Bronx subway terminii, I am lumping the 4 with the D even though neither was at the terminus so 4 not mentioned here):

1 train near 242nd St/Van Cortlandt Park
5 train near Dyre Avenue
6 train near Pelham Bay Park
2 train near 241st St

You can also take buses to the subways, but it will take you a very long time. It will probably take you a long and stressful time to find a space as well. Unfortunately, Metro North is really your only good option and they know they have you because driving all the way to Manhattan and parking is going to be quite stressful and expensive.

[LCNY]

Thank you so much! I have the July ticket now so I will be using it...but I will definetly look into the Subway options you listed above...even if I alternate months just to try and save some money. I hear ya, Metro North is the best option, extremely convenient...such a shame.

Thanks again!

[Ekulu]

There is a Beeline express bus to the midtown manhattan, you can see the schdule and route on their website.

[wordlife]

There are some alternate ways I've found throughout the years, PM and i'll tell you some cost effective tips in detail.

The Beeline Express bus is okay, but its a bit slow compared to the metro north and is really only good if you live below Yonkers Ave or in the vicinity around the raceway.

These hikes are getting ridiculous but trust there are ways like 7 said to do combinations to save yourself some money.

[karen824]

Also you might just check with your employer to see if they can offer TransitChek; it's considered an employee benefit program:
TransitChek® Commuter Benefit Programs from TransitCenter®

[marquina]

I am currently doing the same (taking the subway instead of Metro North). I live in the Fleetwood section of Mt. Vernon and drive to Nereid Ave (#2 or #5 trains) station which is about a 10-15 minute drive. I am always able to find parking on the street within a few blocks from the station and have had no problems so far.

I would recommend trying this subway for its convenience (its not very far and available parking).

Good Luck!

[LCNY]

Thanks all. I appreciate all the suggestions! marquina-how long have you been commuting from Nereid Ave? About how long of a ride is it into the city...on average?

[marquina]

I have been taking the subway for about six months now (and parking near the same station). From Nereid (238th St), its about 45-50 minutes (on the #2) to the 72nd Street station. Or if you take the #5 train which is express, you can get to 59th street in about 40 minutes.

I commute during rush hour and outside of getting up a little earlier, I find this works for me in terms of savings.

Hope this helps!

[LCNY]

Definetly...Thanks so much!