NJ Transit Bus Inquiry

I was wondering if anyone takes the bus instead of the trains into NYC? I am a seasoned commuter but only with NJ Transit trains and was wondering how the buses are. Is it the same amount of time? Are they on time? If delays how bad can they get? That kind of information would be VERY helpful. Hoping to make my commute not as insane as dealing with the crowds and people.... Also if you're from other areas such as Westfield would be helpful!

Thank you in advance for any advice and/or suggestions

The only bus I am aware of that goes directly from Maplewood and South Orange to Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC is the 107(X) which starts at South Orange train station and goes down Irvington Avenue.  My son has taken this bus for years and finds it very convenient.  

If you do not live near Irvington Avenue, there are buses on South Orange Avenue and Springfield Avenue that go to Newark Penn Station from which you can get the PATH train into NYC.  This works best for commuters going into lower Manhattan since others have to change trains to get to midtown.  There is also the option of taking a NJT train the one stop from Newark to NYP.  I did that bus to PATH commute for several years.  It is cheaper than taking the train and does not take that much longer.

I take the 107x in the mornings and find it more reliable than the train if you catch the bus by 7am.  There are rarely delays at that time and when there are it usually isn't too bad.  When there are issues it's when there is a disabled bus in bus lane or car in tunnel but that doesn't happen often.  If I take the bus that leaves 6:50 from first stop in SO, I generally get in by 7:40.  The later buses are typically more reliable but with more traffic the travel time is longer.  The train is definitely a more comfortable ride though since the 107x bus is not a coach style bus; it's pretty much like the local buses which is tight with someone sitting next to you.  I find the commute via bus definitely less insane in the mornings.

In the evenings is another story.  The bus was often delayed even when catching the 4:10p bus. So I take the train home instead.  You can also use the monthly train ticket on the bus.