MEETING NOTICE
Monday, January 25, 2021
Executive Session – 9:30 A.M.
The Board of Trustees of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District will meet in Executive Session on Monday, January 25, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is discussion of strategy with respect to:
Nearly $173 million in federal funding provided for commuter rail expansion
INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced nearly $173 million in federal funding that will allow construction to begin on the expansion of the South Shore rail line to a double track, a decades-long priority for the region.
Due to continued COVID-19 impacts on South Shore Line commuters, the SSL announces that it will again be offering a “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” promotion for January monthly tickets. All monthly tickets purchased for the month of January 2021 will remain valid throughout February.
Thanksgiving train service
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District Procurement Committee hereby gives notice that it will meet on November 23, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. Members of the Committee will participate in the meeting electronically. The public is invited to observe the meeting by accessing the Zoom Meeting link or calling one of the phone numbers listed below:
MEETING NOTICE
Monday, November 30, 2020
Executive Session – 9:30 A.M.
Discussion of strategy with respect to:
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District Procurement Committee hereby gives notice that it will meet on November 19, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. Members of the Committee will participate in the meeting electronically. The public is invited to observe the meeting by accessing the Zoom Meeting link or calling one of the phone numbers listed below:
In accordance with a State of Indiana Executive Order mandating the usage of masks effective Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, the South Shore Line will continue to require masks or face coverings for all passengers and employees in stations and onboard our trains. If a passenger is in need of a mask, the SSL will continue to provide masks free of charge. Passengers are reminded to continue to maintain 6-feet of social distance from other individuals onboard all trains and at stations.
Passengers are advised that the South Shore Line’s Bikes on Trains program terminates for the season at the end of the day on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. We look forward to resuming the Bikes on Trains program beginning April 1, 2021.
The SSL thanks all passengers for a successful bike season.
Monday, November 2, 2020
The Board of Trustees of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District will hold a special meeting on Monday, November 2, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Members of the Board of Trustees will participate in the meeting electronically. The public is invited to listen to the meeting by dialing US: 1 312 626 6799, Webinar ID: 988 1934 0687, Password: 711275. Please click the here to join the webinar. Members of the public who require accessibility assistance are encouraged to contact NICTD in advance of the meeting at (219) 926-5744 extension 308.
If you were not able to join us on Facebook Live today for the West Lake Groundbreaking Ceremony, please watch the below-recorded ceremony programming and join us in celebrating a defining moment in history!
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:
**REVISION 11.14.20 - With the new enforcement requirements contained in the Executive Order #2-48, the mask noncompliance car" is immediately discontinued.**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 noncompliant 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 noncompliant 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:
Funding sends ‘powerful message about Indiana’s future economic growth and opportunity’
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), operator of the South Shore Line railroad, received an allocation of $50.6M from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as part of the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program for the Double Track Northwest Indiana (Double Track) project.
To show continued appreciation and understanding of ongoing impacts from COVID-19, the South Shore Line announces that all monthly tickets purchased for the month of September will remain valid throughout October 2020.
**REVISION 11.14.20 - With the new enforcement requirements contained in the Executive Order #2-48, the mask noncompliance car" is immediately discontinued.**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.
When: Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Time: 10am-11:30am CST
Where: Online Platform - GoTo Meeting
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).
To show continued appreciation and understanding of ongoing impacts from COVID-19, the South Shore Line announces that all monthly tickets purchased for the month of July will remain valid throughout August 2020.
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 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.
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.
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.
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."
We want to hear from YOU!
Share your SSL story with us and you may be featured in our 2020 campaign.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
