Feasibility of an American EMT with an American Spouse Studying at UOIT for PhD Working in Buffalo, NY
Is it doable for an American EMT with an American spouse who is studying for a PhD at UOIT to commute to work in Buffalo, NY, a couple of times a week? While the logistics present several challenges, certain strategies can make this scenario feasible.
Feasibility Overview
The feasibility of such a commute hinges on several variables, including:
Travel time Border wait times Cost and tolls Travel windows and off-hours Personal tolerance for long commutesThis article explores the practicalities of this commute, providing valuable insights and recommendations.
Travel Time and Border Wait
The commute from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to Buffalo, NY, involves a 2.5-hour drive, with half an hour dedicated to crossing the border. To manage this more efficiently, obtaining a Nexus Card is highly recommended for off-hours travel.
The Nexus Card allows for quicker border crossings during off-hours, which are defined as:
8 PM to 6 AM 9:30 AM to 2 PMDuring these times, travelers can avoid the usual gridlock and can make better use of their travel time. However, it is important to note that traffic can still be a major issue during on-hours travel.
Hourly Breakdown of Daily Commute
DirectionHolidayWeekdayWeekend Commute to Buffalo, NY2.52.52.5 Wait at Border30-60 min30-60 min30-60 min Commute to UOIT, GTA2.52.52.5 Total Commute Time (excluding waiting time)4.54.54.5Considering waiting times, the hourly breakdown of the daily commute is as follows:
Commute each way: 2.5 hours Border wait time: 30-60 minutes Total commute time excluding waiting: 4.5 hoursDuring off-hours, the total travel time can be effectively utilized, but during on-hours, traffic can add another hour to each leg of the commute.
Tolls and Cost Considerations
Around the border, there is typically a 30-dollar toll for a round trip. The tolls can be an additional burden, especially if traffic is heavy. Utilizing the 407 Express Toll Highway can help save time and money, though it requires an O365 account or the use of an EZ Tag for toll payment.
Weekly Time Commitment
Assuming an average of 2.5 hours each way and a 30-minute border wait time, the total weekly commute time would be:
12 hours of commuting each week Up to 60 dollars in tolls each weekThis level of commitment can be challenging, especially considering the modest salary of an EMT. Factors to consider include:
The commute may require significant planning and scheduling, potentially impacting personal life EMT salaries may not adequately compensate for the added time and tolls Personal tolerance for long and potentially stressful commutingConclusion
While there are logistical obstacles to consider, an American EMT with an American spouse who is studying for a PhD at UOIT can feasibly commute to work in Buffalo, NY, a couple of times a week. By utilizing off-hours travel via the Nexus Card and considering the 407 Express Toll Highway, this commute can be managed more efficiently. However, significant time and financial commitment must be weighed against the potential benefits.