The South Shore Line is committed to providing riders with clear, timely, and accurate information on the status of train service, including delays or service disruptions.
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 Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line railroad, has three public sessions scheduled for June 9, 10 and 11 focused on station and parking designs for its Double Track Northwest Indiana (DT-NWI) Project. The meetings will be held online rather than in person due to COVID-19.
The safety of passengers and employees has been and continues to be the top priority for South Shore Line (SSL). Sanitized for Rider Safety is SSL’s comprehensive cleaning program that includes thorough sanitization procedures, safety recommendations for riders, and new resources, such as hand sanitizing stations.
06 May 2020
Passengers are be required to wear a face covering while riding SSL trains and waiting at stations.
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 appreciation for personnel who are tirelessly working on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic, South Shore Line (SSL) is inviting all doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, other medical personnel and law enforcement to ride free. Law enforcement encompasses police officers, correctional officers, TSA agents, and other security personnel.
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.
The South Shore Line is aware that many of our passengers were planning to use their March monthly tickets throughout the month of April.
However, due to the continued impact of COVID-19, and the Illinois governor's extension of the Stay-at-Home order until April 30, we know that many of our riders will now be unable to use their March tickets in April. Therefore, the SSL is going to again offer the opportunity to riders to request a refund for March monthly tickets.
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.
The South Shore Line announces that the Bikes on Trains program set to begin April 1, 2020, will be temporarily suspended until further notice. Bikes will be prohibited from all weekend and weekday trains during this time.
19 Mar 2020
South Shore Line cancels Kids Ride Free 2020 spring break staycation promotion due to COVID-19 precautions
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.
09 Mar 2020
South Shore Line expands Kids Ride Free Program for more affordable fun for the 2020 spring break staycation
Spring break is right around the corner and the South Shore Line (SSL) is expanding its Kids Ride Free program to include all trains March 21 – April 6, 2020. SSL has selected this promotional time frame to cover a large portion of scheduled spring breaks across the four-county area.
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.
Due to increased demand, South Shore Line’s (SSL) Bikes on Trains program schedule has now expanded to eighteen (18) total weekday trains. This program was previously offered on two morning and two evening rush-hour weekday trains in addition to select weekend trains.
"The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, operator of the South Shore Line, will hold a workshop with the Michigan City City Council at 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Blvd. The meeting will be in the EOC room on the lower level. The purpose of the workshop is for NICTD to convey next steps for the project."
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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.
21 Feb 2020
NICTD to hold Double Track NWI workshop with Michigan City's City Council; public invited
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line railroad, will hold a Double Track Northwest Indiana (DT-NWI) Workshop with Michigan City’s City Council on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 6:00pm at City Hall, 100 E. Michigan Blvd. in Michigan City, Indiana. The meeting will be in the EOC room on the lower level. The public is welcome to attend as well. The purpose of the Workshop is for NICTD to convey next steps for the project.
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line railroad, announced today that it is able to begin the final engineering phase of the Double Track Northwest Indiana 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 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:
’Tis the season for free rides! To say Happy Holidays, let riders know it has been a pleasure serving them throughout 2019, and provide another opportunity for friends and family to create more memories, South Shore Line (SSL) has expanded its Kids Ride Free program to ALL trains and train times.
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 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has named the West Lake Corridor project in Northwest Indiana a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellence in Environmental Documentation Preparation.
To show our gratitude, all active duty military personnel and veterans are invited to ride the South Shore Line for free during the weekend of November 8-10, 2019, and on Veterans Day (November 11).
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.
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To further increase public awareness of rail safety, promote education of safe actions around railroad crossings and right-of-way, and enforce safety measures, the South Shore Line (SSL) will be participating in National Rail Safety Week September 22-28, 2019.
Calling all Bank of America Chicago Marathon runners and observers: The South Shore Line invites you to leave your vehicle at one of our convenient stations in Indiana and take the South Shore Line to Chicago for all Bank of America Chicago Marathon events.
To accommodate passengers attending Chicago Bears home football games, the South Shore Line plans to stop select trains at Metra’s 18th Street Station, which connects passengers directly to the Soldier Field entrance via a pedestrian walkway.
To show appreciation and to say thank you for their service to the community, the South Shore Line (SSL) is inviting all active-duty first responders to ride the train free of charge Wednesday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sept. 15, on all off-peak weekday and weekend trains (off-peak weekday trains arrive at Millennium Station after 9:30 am CST and depart Millennium Station before 3:30 pm and after 6:30 pm CST).
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.
15 Aug 2019
South Shore Line announces Notre Dame game day service; Transpo to offer free shuttle bus for home games
To accommodate passengers attending University of Notre Dame 2019 home football games, the South Shore Line and South Bend Transpo will again offer FREE shuttle bus service between the South Bend International Airport and Notre Dame Stadium.
The following South Shore Line service updates will be in effect to accommodate passengers attending the Chicago Air & Water Show, taking place Saturday, Aug. 17 - Sunday, Aug. 18, at North Avenue Beach.
To accommodate passengers attending Chicago Bears PRESEASON home football games, the South Shore Line plans to stop select trains at Metra’s 18th Street Station, which connects passengers directly to the Soldier Field entrance via a pedestrian walkway.
The South Shore Line (SSL) and the City of Valparaiso have partnered to further connect public transportation in the City of Valparaiso. Starting August 1 the City of Valparaiso will be operating a new weekday shuttle. Try out the new service for FREE August 1 through October 31. Regular fare rates will apply beginning November 1, 2019.
Lollapalooza Aug. 1-4, 2019: The following South Shore Line service updates will be in effect to accommodate passengers attending Lollapalooza, taking place Thursday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019, in Grant Park.
To thank local educators for their hard work, SSL created Teacher Appreciation Week, where educators are invited to ride the SSL for free from July 15 - 21, on all off-peak weekday and all weekend trains (off-peak weekday trains arrive at Millennium Station after 9:30 am CST and depart Millennium Station before 3:30 pm and after 6:30 pm CST). To ride, educators will need to present a valid school ID.
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).
Please be advised that the following restrictions will be implemented on South Shore Line trains during these upcoming 2019 Chicago events:
05 Jun 2019
Temporary busing to occur between Carroll Ave. and South Bend Airport stations June 10-14, 2019
The South Shore Line plans to periodically bus weekday (Monday-Friday) 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.
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).
In partnership with the National Park Service and the Dunes Learning Center, the South Shore Line’s (SSL) free shuttle bus service to Miller beaches will resume Memorial Day weekend.
The purpose of this notice is to advise you that the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) is evaluating properties that may be affected by the West Lake Corridor Project.
Drivers are advised that South Shore Line track upgrades will impact traffic in South Bend beginning Friday, May 3, 2019.
National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is Thursday, April 25, 2019. South Shore Line (SSL) invites up to three youth 18 years of age and under to ride for FREE with a fare-paying adult.
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line, announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in National Get On Board Day on Thursday, April 25.
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.
It’s that time of year again when riding your bike to work is made possible with the South Shore Line’s (SSL) Bikes on Trains program.
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) has received a favorable rating of Medium High for its West Lake Corridor Project.
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.
Are you an adventurer at heart? Let the South Shore Line be your ride to some heart pounding fun! And, with our kids ride free spring break promotion running from March 23-April 6 where up to 3 kids 13 years of age and under ride free on all South Shore Line trains, your adrenaline rush is more affordable than ever!
Spring Break can be a great time to combine fun with learning! Chicago has some of the best museums in the country and they are just a South Shore Line away!
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.
With spring break right around the corner, the South Shore Line (SSL) is expanding its Kids Ride Free program from March 23 – April 6, 2019.
South Shore Line will be offering 10% discounts on monthly passes during the month of March.
The South Shore Line train service will be restored effective Sunday, Feb. 3, with westbound Train 600. Upon service resumption, substitute bus service will no longer be in effect between South Bend and Michigan City Carroll Ave. All train service is expected to operate as normal. Any disruptions in service will be promptly posted to our homepage at www.mysouthshoreline.com, our South Shore Line Facebook and Twitter pages, our mobile app, and via email notifications.
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.
Saturday, February 9, through Monday, February 18, ride free on ALL Westbound weekend and off-peak weekday South Shore Line trains.
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 18th 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.
Project would add a second track between Gary and Michigan City
Chesterton, IN – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) based on its review of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Double Track NWI (DT-NWI) Project.
South Shore Line to offer veterans & active duty military personnel free transportation Nov. 9 through Nov. 12, 2018
The South Shore Line will accommodate a potential increase in ridership due to the Garth Brooks concert taking place at 7p ET on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at the University of Notre Dame Stadium.
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.
Calling all Bank of America Chicago Marathon runners and observers: The South Shore Line invites you to leave your vehicle at one of our convenient stations in Indiana and take the South Shore Line to Chicago for all Bank of America Chicago Marathon events.
To further increase public awareness of rail safety, promote education, and enforce safety measures, the South Shore Line (SSL) will be participating in National Rail Safety Week September 24-28, 2018.
To further enhance security and safety efforts, the SSL has partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something®” Campaign, a national anti-terrorism campaign that raises public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement.
To accommodate passengers attending Chicago Bears PRESEASON and REGULAR SEASON home games, the South Shore plans to stop select trains at 18th St. Station.
To accommodate passengers attending University of Notre Dame 2018 home games, the South Shore Line and Transpo will again offer FREE shuttle bus service between the South Bend International Airport and Notre Dame Stadium.
To show appreciation and to say thank you for their service to the community, the South Shore Line (SSL) is inviting all active-duty first responders to ride the train free of charge Sunday, Sept. 9, through Saturday, Sept. 15, on all off-peak weekday and weekend trains.
In 2018, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) conducted a Rider Survey of its South Shore Line rail passengers.
To thank local educators for their hard work, SSL created Teacher Appreciation Week, where educators are invited to ride the SSL for free from July 23 - 29, on all off-peak weekday and all weekend trains. To ride, educators will need to present a valid school ID.
A fare increase approved by the NICTD Board on May 18, 2018, will take effect on Sunday, July 1, 2018.
The SSL will have 200 riders taking advantage of the Bikes on Trains program this weekend. They are participating in the 1st Annual Ride & Rail Tour!
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) board has approved the proposed fare increase and it will take effect on July 1, 2018 for the South Shore Line rail passenger service, including July monthly tickets. The new fares would apply to all stations but Hegewisch. Metra controls Hegewisch fares and approved an increase effective February 1, 2018.
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Posted March 23, 2018
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) held five public hearings in April 2018 to gather comment on a proposed across the board fare increase of 5% rounded to the nearest quarter ($0.25). If approved, the new fares would take effect on July 1, 2018 for the South Shore Line rail passenger service including July monthly tickets. The new fares would apply to all stations but Hegewisch. Metra controls Hegewisch fares and approved an increase effective February 1, 2018.
Accommodating Large Group Travel
Schools and other organizations have traditionally booked trips to Chicago utilizing the South Shore Line. Our access to museums and the Art Institute makes the railroad both convenient and affordable for group outings. These trips offer many passengers, perhaps for the first time, an opportunity to ride the train and learn firsthand about the benefits of public transportation.
Temporary busing to occur between Carroll Ave. and South Bend Airport stations April 23-27 and April 30-May 4, 2018.
The South Shore Line plans to periodically bus weekday (Monday-Friday) 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.
The South Shore Line (SSL) announced on Friday, April 13, that it will be launching a new train tracker application. The train tracker, housed on the SSL website and app, will allow riders to track train locations in real time.
The first hearing on the South Shore Line’s proposed fare increase attracted only one regular rider. The railroad’s executives expect more at later hearings.
At the South Shore Line (SSL), safety is our highest priority. To further enhance our safety efforts, The SSL will be implementing (along with all other passenger railroads in the US) Positive Train Control (PTC) technology across their entire network.
It’s that time of year again, when riding your bike to work is made possible with the South Shore Line’s (SSL) Bikes on Trains program! This program is offered on two morning and evening rush-hour weekday trains in addition to select weekend trains.