Al,
I just ran the numbers and for an UBER trip scheduled at 10:00 AM from 100 Prospect Ave to the 178th street bus stop on the other side of the GWB it's $39. and likely cheaper off peak. For two people that's $20/person. From there the A or C train gets them down town with no driving, tolls, or parking hassles and worrying about train schedules. Just saying.
Much faster to drive to Secaucus Junction, park, and take the train.
Al,
I just ran the numbers and for an UBER trip scheduled at 10:00 AM from 100 Prospect Ave to the 178th street bus stop on the other side of the GWB it's $39. and likely cheaper off peak. For two people that's $20/person. From there the A or C train gets them down town with no driving, tolls, or parking hassles and worrying about train schedules. Just saying.
Waiting at GWB late at night for an Uber is not a good idea, because they'll stick out, not to mention all the riff raft you'll encounter on the AC. I avoid the AC like the plague because those trains are old and disgusting. Plus Uber's aren't exactly plentiful in that area late at night. If you're gonna use GWB, you might as well just use the bus, because there's not much of a time penalty.
Route 80 cuts through Hackensack, so they can get to Secaucus Junction, fairly quickly, especially if they travel on the weekend.
This solution involves:
$6 for toll
$30 to park. Free valet parking
$17 for train
It properly balances time, safety, convenience, and cost, especially if you're returning late at night. Having traveled to midtown a lot from Bergen County and returned late at night to Bergen County, Im certain this is the optimal way to go.
Now the most optimal way which I'll mention, even though OP mentioned he didn't want to drive in New York, is to drive in via Lincoln Tunnel, and Park on 43rd street between 11Ave and the Westside Highway. Parking is free there on Saturday and Sunday, are no meters. Needless to say, you have to arrive early. A little more than a block of driving. Now if you can't find parking there, you can park at Edison Park Fast on 44th street between 8th and 9th avenue. A couple blocks driving in NYC isn't going to hurt.
Yet another solution came into my mind if OP is traveling on weekdays. He can drive to the Vince Lombardi Park and Ride on the NJ Turnpike. It's $9 to park for the day and includes a round trip bus ticket. It's another 3.25 for another bus ticket. Probably the best deal in nj. Bus goes to Port Authority. Last bus leaves at 11:30 pm. If you miss the last bus, you can uber back to the park and ride. Or take the train to Secaucus junction and uber from Secaucus junction to the park and ride.