Community Lines

Reviewed: 2013/​August (restored from lost profile) «Below review is spot on. We rode them a few times over a week traveling between NJ and NYC. We experienced everything previously described.»

This review is for the Community Lines, Inc. mass transportation service that runs up Kennedy Blvd In Jersey City and Union City and into Gate 51 of Port Authority in New York City.
I take this van line everyday. It is a decent service at a reasonable price. Here are the pros and cons.
Pros:
Runs frequently;
Cost is not excessive (currently $ 3/​trip or $ 2.50 with purchase of tickets to NYC, local fare is $ 1.50);
Average trip time is not usually long
Cons:
NYC tickets can only be purchased in a limited time period on weekdays at Port Authority. From sometime around 2 or 3pm until sometime in the evening;
NYC tickets can only be purchased with cash or TransitChek. Credit cards are not accepted.
Many drivers do not speak English;
Drivers frequently drive extremely slow and stop at green lights when they are trying to get more fares (think longer morning commute);
Drivers will take a longer alternate route in an attempt to get more fares
If there are not «enough fares» on board, drivers will have passengers get off at the last stop and board another van which is close to being full.
Some drivers will pass by stops with one or two people even in inclement weather;
Seating on some vans does not have sufficient legroom for average height people. (i’m 5’5″, 112 lbs and have encountered some serious legroom issues);
Some drivers smoke on the vans prior to passenger boarding;
Summertime AC is definitely an issue on most of the vans;
This is not the company’s fault per se but people who use their cell phones while in transit tend to speak on their cell phones as if they are in their own home. Even when it is obnoxiously loud the drivers say nothing.
Overall, It is okay and definitely the fastest option commuting from the Heights or Union City but I can’t wait to move somewhere that has a more mainstream commuting option. I gave it three starts but I would really rate it a 2.5.