I commuted for 4 years from MEL on the -400. Not "Easy" but very do-able, especially if you are a pattern line holder. Cost about $1500 - $2000 (MAX before tax refund) per year. I was very conservative and probably spent a few more nights at the Inn or Ibis than I needed to. Also came up for fixed base sims etc.
I dont know what the 'Bus trips are like, but the -400 has a fair amount of work out of MEL which made alt pax useful.
Having said that, I would dread being a junior rotator , with standbys etc.
Fixed base sims, Cyclics, EPs etc are tax deductible.
Hope this helps