Due to continued COVID-19 impacts in the South Shore Line service area, the SSL announces that it is modifying its existing free ride promotion to feature WEEKEND WESTBOUND TRAINS only. 

The weekend westbound free rides will be in effect from Nov. 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2020. The free rides apply to all SSL stations, and passengers can simply board applicable weekend westbound trains with no ticket purchase necessary. Passengers will be responsible for paying all applicable fares on weekday trips and weekend eastbound trips. 

Passengers are advised that the City of Chicago has added the State of Indiana to its Emergency Travel Order, effective Oct. 16, 2020. However, Chicago's Quarantine List exempts many individuals who are working in the City or traveling to the City for various personal reasons. The South Shore Line continues to operate regularly scheduled train service and will not be impacted by the order. A link to the Emergency Travel Order can be located here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html.

South Shore Line mobile app users are advised that a new app update is now available for download for iOS and Android via the App Store and Google Play Store. The update will modify the appearance of SSL tickets, and includes new features to improve the user experience:

In accordance with state and local executive orders, the South Shore Line requires masks or face coverings for all passengers and employees. The SSL provides masks free of charge to all passengers and crew who need a mask.  In July, the SSL introduced a mask-optional car for those passengers who choose to not wear a mask as a response to complaints from mask-compliant passengers. Pursuant to state and local orders, certain passengers with mask exemptions (including medical/health issues) are not required to wear a mask nor are they required to move to the mask-optional car.

SERVICE ADVISORY - The South Shore Line plans to implement schedule changes on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, affecting two eastbound trains. Please see below for the full list of revised scheduled station times for the impacted trains:

Except within the “mask optional” car located as the second car of every train, masks are required to be worn by all passengers unless excused for reasons of deafness or medical conditions. 

MEETING NOTICE

Monday, July 20, 2020

The South Shore Line plans to periodically bus passengers between Carroll Ave. and the South Bend International Airport while we upgrade our track and segments of overhead wire between Michigan City and South Bend.

The next temporary busing period will occur Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 24, 2020 (this includes the weekend of July 18-19).

Finding Train Alerts Just Got Easier!

Beginning July 3, train alerts will no longer be posted on Facebook or Twitter in the news feed but will be accessible by clicking on the tab to the left of the Facebook feed labeled TRAIN UPDATES AND ALERTS. This quick link will take you directly to the alert section of the SSL website. No more scrolling -- all alerts are just a click away! If you are looking from a mobile device, just click the Learn More button.

Due to continued impacts surrounding COVID-19, the South Shore Line announces that all monthly tickets purchased for the month of July will remain valid throughout August 2020. As the State of Indiana and the City of Chicago continue to make progress with their respective re-opening phases, we understand that our passengers may continue to have differing travel schedules throughout the summer.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, South Shore Line (SSL) has invested a tremendous amount of time and resources into taking enhanced precautions and implementing new procedures for the health and safety of passengers, as well as train personnel. As Chicago begins to open and more commuters and leisure riders return to the train, the SSL intends to further the safety measures being taken through its Sanitized for Rider Safety program, a comprehensive cleaning and health and safety program.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line railroad, previously scheduled three Virtual Open Houses in June that have now been consolidated into one Virtual Open House. The Virtual Open House will occur on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 from 6-8pm (CDT). The Virtual Open House will be held online rather than in person due to COVID-19.

The safety of our passengers and employees is the South Shore Line's top priority, which has become especially apparent during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

To show our continued appreciation for our passengers, the South Shore Line announces that all monthly tickets purchased for the month of May will remain valid throughout June 2020. With the extension of Illinois' stay-at-home order until May 30, we understand that our passengers may continue to have differing travel schedules throughout the next few months.

On Thursday, April 16, 2020, South Shore Line is joining transit agencies from across the nation in the #SoundTheHorn effort designed to salute transportation workers and well as other essential workers across the country. 

At the time the South Shore Line implemented the modified weekday schedule last week, we placed two extra trains in the morning and evening rush hour periods. Scheduling was based upon ridership levels at that time, but a lot can change in one week during this pandemic.

As the temporary closures of workplaces, events, schools and other public areas increases, South Shore Line wants to keep the health and safety of all riders at the forefront. As a result, the Kids Ride Free spring break staycation promotion that was scheduled for March 21 – April 6, 2020, is now canceled.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the South Shore Line will be implementing a temporary modified weekday train schedule to be in effect MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020, until further notice. Please review the attached full schedule of revised weekday train times, which is essentially a modified weekend/holiday schedule with the addition of two morning and two afternoon rush hour trains. Our weekend train schedules will not be changed at this time. Click here to view the modified schedule.

With the continued increase in temporary closures of workplaces, events, schools and other public areas, the South Shore Line continues to closely monitor the evolving situation with COVID-19. We understand that many of our monthly ticket holders will not be able to fully utilize their passes for the second half of March and possibly into early April.

UPDATE 3/11 - According to parade officials, the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade has been canceled/postponed for Saturday, March 14. Due to this announcement, South Shore Line extra train service for Saturday will also be canceled. Saturday, March 14, trains will operate according to their normal weekend train schedules.

South Shore Line officials continue to monitor and address potential impacts from novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and are taking steps to further reduce the risk to our passengers from exposure to the virus. 

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To accommodate passengers attending the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo Feb. 28-March 1, 2020, the South Shore Line will be offering select weekday train stops at McCormick Place Station on Friday, Feb. 28, in addition to regular service to McCormick Place during the weekend.

To accommodate passengers attending the Chicago Auto Show, the South Shore Line will be offering select weekday train stops at McCormick Place, in addition to serving McCormick Place Station on weekends.

In addition to serving McCormick Place Station on weekends, the South Shore Line will be offering select weekday train stops at McCormick Place during Sox Fest, which will be held in the West Building Jan. 24-25, 2020.

To serve you best and to help keep our passengers as safe as possible, we encourage and depend on riders like you to send us a report any time you see a potential issue with service, maintenance, or safety. We want to hear from you, and the new South Shore See Say App will make it easier than ever!

SERVICE ADVISORY: Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show

Jan. 8-12, 2020

In addition to serving McCormick Place Station on weekends, the South Shore Line will be offering select weekday train stops at McCormick Place during the Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show being held in the McCormick Place South Building Jan. 8-12.

MICHIGAN STREET STOPLIGHT:

Effective today Friday, Dec. 20, the SSL traffic signal has been activated at the new Michigan Street entrance/exit to the East Chicago Station parking lot.

The new entrance/exit is located across from the Lear Corp. entrance/exit on Michigan Street. This new intersection shared with Lear consists of the four-way traffic signal and signaled turn lanes.

The South Shore Line announces its holiday train schedule as follows:

In partnership with both the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the Midwest Rail Rangers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides on-board educational programs on the South Shore Line through Illinois and Indiana.

This weekend kicks off the holiday season along the South Shore Line! Experience the magic of the season at some of the most anticipated events like the spectacular Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade (Nov. 23), the annual Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park (Nov. 22) and the traditional German Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza (open as of Nov. 15).

The South Shore Line announces that a new, signaled SSL entrance/exit will be constructed at the East Chicago Station parking lot on Michigan Street (see attached map and rendering). The project is scheduled to begin Oct. 12, with completion and implementation scheduled for December 2019.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line railroad, announced today that it is able to begin the design and engineering phase of the West Lake Corridor Project after receiving approval to enter the New Starts Engineering phase of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Capital Investment Grant program.

To accommodate passengers attending Chicago Bears home football games, the South Shore Line plans to stop select trains at Metra’s 18^th Street Station, which connects passengers directly to the Soldier Field entrance via a pedestrian walkway.

In partnership with both the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the Midwest Rail Rangers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides on-board educational programs on the South Shore Line through Illinois and Indiana.

CHESTERTON, Ind. – The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line railroad, has formally requested entry into the New Starts engineering phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program for the Double Track Northwest Indiana project. The project is a priority for Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) and the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA).

The state budget bill, HEA 1001, passed by the Indiana General Assembly the last week of April of this year included a provision restructuring the Board of Trustees of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD).

Drivers are advised that South Shore Line track upgrades will impact traffic in South Bend beginning Friday, May 3, 2019.

South Shore Line (SSL) recognizes the continued loyalty of monthly ticket holders and wants to express their gratitude by offering a promotion for monthly ticket holders in early May.

As part of the South Shore Line’s ongoing commitment to improving passenger services, officials today announce that construction is set to begin that will add a second entrance/exit to the East Chicago Station platform.

The South Shore Line plans to periodically bus passengers between Carroll Ave. and the South Bend Airport while we upgrade our track and segments of overhead wire between Michigan City and South Bend.

To accommodate passengers attending the Star Wars Celebration April 11-15, 2019, the South Shore Line will be offering select weekday train stops at McCormick Place Station, in addition to regular service to McCormick Place during the weekend.

Calling all Cubs fans! Take the South Shore Line (SSL) to the next game.

If the way to your heart is through your stomach then this foodie themed play-cation is for you. Hop on the South Shore Line and head to Chicago where your family can take in the sights and sounds and grab some of our favorite family-friendly Chicago cuisines.

To accommodate passengers attending the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo March 22-24, 2019, the South Shore Line will be offering select weekday train stops at McCormick Place Station on Friday, March 22, in addition to regular service to McCormick Place during the weekend.

South Shore Line will be offering 10% discounts on monthly passes during the month of March.

Whether you and your sweetheart are heading to a romantic date night or you are treating yourself to some pampering in the city, the SSL can take you there.

The following weekday trains will make flag stops at the McCormick Place Station for the Boat, RV and Sail Show:

To accommodate passengers attending the Chicago Bears postseason game at 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, at Soldier Field, the South Shore Line will run an extra eastbound and extra westbound train, with additional select stops at the 18^th St. Station.

To accommodate passengers attending the NHL Winter Classic taking place at noon Central Standard Time on Jan. 1, 2019, the South Shore Line will operate a morning eastbound extra and an afternoon westbound extra.

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the whole family on the South Shore Line! 

The team at the South Shore Line sends our deepest condolences to the families of the two Chicago Police Department officers who lost their lives today.

Experience the magic of the season at some of the most anticipated events along the South Shore Line from South Bend to Chicago.

To ensure we provide the best experience possible to our riders this holiday season, we will be offering additional eastbound trains, and have made our holiday train and ticket office schedules available in advance. Please see the schedule below for more information.

In an effort to improve the SSL experience, we have made improvements to our mobile app. The South Shore mobile app update is now available for download for both iOS and Android.

To accommodate passengers attending Chicago Bears PRESEASON and REGULAR SEASON home games, the South Shore plans to stop select trains at 18^th St. Station.