The South Shore: Improving our Connection to Chicago

The South Shore: Improving our Connection to Chicago

One of the perks of living in Northwest Indiana is its proximity to Chicago. Whether you’re looking for a great restaurant, attending Grant Park summer festivals, taking the family to sporting events, spending the day in one of Chicago’s world-class museums, or just enjoying the lakefront; Chicago is just a short train ride away!

Forget about taking your car and navigating snow-covered, icy roads or congested “always under construction” highways; or paying Skyway tolls and expensive parking fees (upwards of $35/day). Make getting to Chicago part of the stress-free fun --- Take the South Shore.

"The South Shore Line has been running for well over 100 years," says General Manager and CEO Michael Noland. “Since 1990, NICTD has owned and operated the South Shore after purchasing it from a private owner."

After taking over the South Shore Line, NICTD immediately embarked on a 20-year effort to completely rebuild and modernize the South Shore’s infrastructure. This included additional passenger cars, new stations, expanded parking lots, new bridges, new signal and overhead power distribution systems. “We were focused on enhancing safety, improving reliability and the overall passenger experience.

"We spent over $400 million to rebuild the rail service," says Noland. "We worked to modernize it, create more efficiency and ensure that the railroad was well run."

“While we’ve accomplished a great deal; there is a great deal more to be done. Our Board completed a Strategic Business Plan in 2014 that identified a series of investments that would dramatically reduce travel time to Chicago, expand service to new areas, and increase the frequency on the South Shore”

"We have two large projects currently being planned to improve the South Shore," says Noland. "The first one is the West Lake Corridor Project, extending commuter rail service from Hammond to Dyer. West Lake represents the first expansion of commuter rail in northwest Indiana in over a century. This new service is expected to begin in 2023."

NICTD's second project involves installing double track between Gary and Michigan City. This project will reduce travel time from all stations in northwest Indiana and Chicago and allow the South Shore to increase rush hour and midday train service.

"Many folks don’t understand that our trains basically operate on a single track between Michigan City and Gary. This creates a situation where they’re forced to “follow the leader”. If the lead train encounters a problem, all trailing trains are stopped until the problem is resolved. Since one of our goals is to make communities in Indiana true suburbs of Chicago we must reduce travel time and improve train frequency. This double track project will achieve both. For example, our latest analysis shows that we could reduce travel time by up to 20 minutes to Chicago from any station in northwest Indiana” says Noland.

For NICTD and Noland, the South Shore is more than just a means to travel without a car. The South Shore is an essential part of the region and a valuable resource for residents.

"The South Shore Line is part of the fabric of the region, an essential resource," says Noland. "It is a service that residents have come to rely on, and they appreciate the ability to commute to Chicago for work and play. And we’re committed to making the service faster, more reliable, and more convenient.”

To find out more about the South Shore Line and NICTD, be sure to visit their website, as well as more information involving the West Lake Corridor Project's website.

photo courtesy of Pete Doherty