I always use trains and buses when going long distance. It's easy since I live in New Jersey and we have good commuter rail service. If this were not the case, I would look at getting a decent folding bike like Bike Friday and use Uber. The driver rates are about a third a taxi would charge in my city! I don't know how they can make a living.

All you would need is one bus or train in case you get stuck. Here's the problem once you break down.

1. Commuter Rail - The stops may not be close by but Google maps can point them out to you. You also may not have service during your hour of need or the train schedule may not be handy. Also have your cell phone just in case to look up this information.

2. Bus - This is even harder to use as backup since Google maps do now show where the bus routes are located. I know numerous bus routes numbers so using bus service isn't an issue but locating the bus stop is! Thankfully, a person did create a bus map of the entire state of New Jersey so I have a good idea where the bus is traveling. The second problem with using the bus as a backup if it doesn't have a bike rack. This is why a folding bike would be better than a full size bike when using public transit as a backup.