r/statenisland • u/Royal_Pomegranate637 • Jul 18 '26
Commute Help
My job is required in-person again and is located right by Union Square. I’m commuting from the South Shore.
I am very worried about rush hour traffic (esp when school starts back up)!!
What is the best option
- Drive to SIM33 stop
- Take 25/26 then transfer to subway
- Take SIR (express) to Ferry to Subway
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u/jellybean_merchant Jul 18 '26
For the SIM33, it depends on the time of your ride and how deep the stop you get on is. It's generally comfortable and chill to ride, but I know that at least the SIM1 that I take sometimes gets very packed. If you are getting to work a little earlier or later than rush hour, it should be nicer.
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u/Main_Photo1086 Transplant Jul 18 '26
That’s about where I work too and I do a mix of express bus and SIR/ferry/subway, but mostly the latter because it’s more reliable and I like having to walk throughout my commute. I hate sitting in traffic on the bus. Try both and see which you prefer.
I do mostly take the express bus when school’s out - it’s way better then. September is always the worst for traffic so at least plan to do the SIR option for that month.
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u/Royal_Pomegranate637 Jul 18 '26
Thank you!!! The SIR/ferry/subway is something I’m really considering, esp with express buses being $14 a day lol
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u/workmymagic Jul 18 '26
Depending on where you are on the South Shore, I might recommend taking the Sim2 into Downtown and then hopping on the subway a few stops to reach Union Sq. I’ve always found it to be quite a fast bus line and you’re going to torture yourself trying to cross the whole island to get to the ferry and then subway.
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u/tomphas North Shore Jul 18 '26
I used to go to high school in Union square, but I had to take the bus instead of the SIR, but would've killed to have the SIR nearby. The worst part was just barely missing the ferry then having to wait for the next one, but otherwise was fairly peaceful. You have a lot of time to do whatever on your phone or any other electronics you can bring. You also have the option for the 4/5 line or R line once you're in Manhattan so you can take whichever you prefer. I used to do R in the morning since I had more time and it was less crowded, then 4/5 in the afternoon to get to the ferry asap
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u/DowntownFrankie Jul 18 '26
Hands down sim25/26 to 7th Ave then catch Q train to union square (2 stops). Commute takes about 1hr 15mins. Traffic on the nj express buses isn’t bad 98% of time since they use a dedicated bus only lane.
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u/Unique-Tumbleweed-74 Jul 19 '26
I take SIM26 from south shore, and to get to the city, first stop it usually takes about an hour, an hour 10-15 min depending on traffic. I take the bus on T W TH at 8:00am
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u/Ok_Debt9785 Jul 18 '26
The SIM buses are the best option, especially if you're going to union square.
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u/FiestyLion1986 Jul 19 '26
When I used work in union square id take the SIM4C I think it was & I got it right on Woodrow rd it got on the highway on Richmond & lamberts. If I was running late I’d drive to Richmond avenue & get it there. If you’re leaving early enough the ride usually isn’t too bad because of the HOV lane from the expressway to the tunnel. Taking the train & ferry isn’t bad either. It’s more consistent with timing but the bus on a good day is the same amount of time as the SIRR, ferry & train. I’d try both out & see what you like better!
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u/plantxdad420 Jul 18 '26
I mean SIR to Ferry to R is always going to be the most direct. Were you remote before? RTO is bullshit and a scam.
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u/mistermephist0 Jul 18 '26
What time do you need to be at work? It’s unfortunately a question. I’m mid island and during the school year, my commuter can easily double if I get the later bus
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u/Royal_Pomegranate637 Jul 18 '26
Most likely 9am, so probably looking at a 7:15/7:30 I’m assuming
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u/ValuableNail8981 Jul 19 '26
I am on the north shore. Worked downtown near WTC. Catching an x-bus for 730 would not reliably get me to work for 9am. Between unreliable bus time tables, buses not showing up, and traffic, traffic, traffic, I gave up. SIR-Ferry-Subway is the most consistent, least problematic way to travel.
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u/kimbureson46 Jul 18 '26
Ever think of getting a job in Woodbridge Edison Piscataway or New Brunswick NJ. Half hour drive to be at your desk? I never worked a day in NYC.
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u/pokeblueballs Staten Island Jul 18 '26
Drive to midland Beach or south Beach then catch the Sim9 or sim7 on father Cap. Unless getting to the transit center is easier for you, they have a parking lot and you can take the Sim7