Berkeley Parents Network: Commuting between the East bay and Pleasanton

Berkeley Parents Network

Commuting between the East bay and Pleasanton

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Working & Careers > Commuting between the East bay and Pleasanton

March 2004

I'm starting a new job in Pleasanton soon, and am wondering: a) How long does it really take to get there driving? b) How long does it really take to get there via BART (El Cerrito or North Berkeley to Pleasanton station)? c) When do you have to get to the El Cerrito and North Berkeley BART stations in order to get a parking spot? I'm positively dreading this commute, but must take this job. Any words of advice on how to survive long commutes, esp. while also having a toddler in daycare, would be greatly appreciated. anon

I've gone from El Cerrito to Pleasanton only on weekends, when BART is probably slower and driving is probably faster. But BART took about 70 minutes and driving about 40 minutes. On weekdays you must get to EC Plaza BART by 7:40 am (or after 10 am or pay for a reserved space) to get a parking place. Liz

I have commuted from Oakland to Livermore for the past six years, which is bit further but slightly less problematic than your proposed commute. My commute involes a bus from my house to BART, BART to Pleasanton, then another bus to my work. The total door-to-door time for me is 1 1/2 hours (one way). Although cumbersome, on the rare occasions that I opt to drive I usually regret it. Formerly a reverse commute, traffic is getting worse by the day as more companies relocate in the Tri-Valley area. While my primary motivation was initally to help lessen the load on the environment, since the birth of my son 3 years ago I have come to appreciate the relative quietude of public transportation, the down time to read that I would not otherwise have at home, the costs of daily driving as well as keeping out of the way of irrational motorists. My suggestion: if your new work place is located within walking distance of the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station take BART. Steve

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