Dear Greaser,
The reason you've had trip lines is that they are guaranteed for the first 3 months of 'consolidation'. That's not to say you won't get any after that but do expect things to change.
That said, you will generally work less on blindlines than on triplines. As long as you don't mind the odd, I mean most weekends. Making CAP on crummy triplines can be a real challenge.
With reference to commuting. It's all down to how much time you're prepared to dedicate to it. Plan on 5 times a month and you won't be far off the mark. If you're willing to do the odd Back 2 Back, you could easily just commute 3 times a month.
LFW