INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb is eager to sign legislation funding the double-tracking of the South Shore Line between Gary and Michigan City. The Republican said Tuesday that he considers the $180 million Indiana will spend over the next 30 years to expand commuter rail service in the Region to be a vital investment in the state's future, as well as a top accomplishment of the 2017 General Assembly that adjourned Saturday. "This is not just about economic development, but equally importantly it's also about attracting talent from the nation's third biggest economy in Chicago and getting folks to move to this side of the border," Holcomb said.
The South Shore plans to implement several schedule changes on July 1 affecting 3 evening westbound trains and 6 eastbound trains, primarily in the rush hour.
The South Shore Line (SSL) announced today that it will run an extra eastbound departure from Millennium Station 90 minutes following the conclusion of the World Champion Chicago Cubs home opener on April 10 and following the ring day game on April 12. The CUBS EXTRA will depart Millennium and travel non-stop to Hegewisch and then make all regular stops terminating at Carroll Ave. Station in Michigan City. The CUBS EXTRA train will not serve Hudson Lake or South Bend.
PORTAGE — The South Shore Line's major expansion projects are the subject of a Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission public comment period that will culminate with votes on adding the projects to the Region's official transportation planning documents.
MERRILLVILLE — The Regional Development Authority board of directors entered into contracts Thursday with the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District to fund ongoing engineering and environmental work on the West Lake Corridor and Double Track NWI projects.