Due to 43rd Street bridge work Sept. 18-19, passengers on South Shore Line westbound Tr 510 (arriving @ Millennium Station @ 11:43p) and eastbound Tr 601 (departing Millennium @ 12:45a) will be bused between Metra’s 51st/53rd St. Station and Millennium Station Saturday night into Sunday.
News
To accommodate passengers attending the Chicago Bears vs. Bengals home game at noon on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, 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.
In partnership with Indiana Operation Lifesaver, the South Shore Line will once again be participating in National Rail Safety Week, Sept. 20-26, 2021, in which our teams will continue to spread awareness of rail safety to the surrounding communities in which we operate.
Executive Session – 9:30 A.M.
The Board of Trustees of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District will meet in Executive Session on Monday, September 27, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Office of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, 33 East U.S. Hwy. 12, Chesterton, Indiana. Members of the Board of Trustees and necessary staff may participate in the meeting electronically. The purpose of the meeting is discussion of strategy with respect to:
To accommodate passengers attending the Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin football game at 11 a.m. CT on Sept. 25, 2021, at Soldier Field, 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. As 18th Street Station is not a regularly scheduled stop, SSL passengers utilizing 18th St. for this game should purchase tickets for Museum Campus/11th Street.
To accommodate passengers attending the Notre Dame vs. Toledo football game at 2:30p ET on Sept. 11, South Bend Transpo will offer FREE shuttle bus service between the South Bend International Airport and Notre Dame Stadium for select South Shore Line trains.
To accommodate passengers attending Chicago Bears regular season 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. As 18th Street Station is not a regularly scheduled stop, SSL passengers utilizing 18th St. on these days should purchase tickets for Museum Campus/11th Street.
The South Shore Line will operate a weekend/holiday train schedule in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6.
To show appreciation and to say thank you for their service to the community, the South Shore Line (SSL) is inviting all nurses and active-duty first responders to ride the train free of charge Saturday, September 11, through Wednesday, September 15, on all Westbound weekday and weekend trains.
25 Aug 2021
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 2021 home football games, the South Shore Line announces train service, with South Bend Transpo offering free shuttle bus service between the South Bend International Airport and Notre Dame Stadium. SSL service for the Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin game at Soldier Field on Sept. 25 will be announced in the coming weeks.
South Shore Line passengers are advised that the Transportation Security Administration mask order is extended until Jan. 18, 2022. The order mandates the use of masks or face coverings for all SSL passengers and employees, regardless of vaccination status.
To show appreciation for passengers continuing to utilize the South Shore Line throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and welcome those who are new or just returning, the SSL announces all weekday (Monday through Friday) eastbound trips will be free throughout the months of September and October 2021.
As South Shore Line commuters continue to return to in-office duties, the SSL announces its “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” promotion will once again be extended for September monthly tickets. All monthly tickets purchased for the month of September 2021 will remain valid throughout October 2021.
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.
In addition to our regular service to nearby Museum Campus/11th St., the following trains will also serve 18th St. Station for preseason games:
Public Session – 1:00 P.M.
The Board of Trustees of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday August 11, 2021 at 1:00 p.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: 827 6449 1661, Password: 077073. 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.
The South Shore Line plans to temporarily bus passengers between Carroll Ave. Station and the South Bend International Airport while we upgrade our track and segments of overhead wire between Michigan City and South Bend.
The South Shore Line announces alcohol restrictions in place during Lollapalooza, Thursday, July 29, through Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021, in Grant Park.
Executive Session – 9:30 A.M.
The Board of Trustees of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District will meet in Executive Session on Monday, July 26, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Office of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, 33 East U.S. Hwy. 12, Chesterton, Indiana. Members of the Board of Trustees and necessary staff may participate in the meeting electronically.
To accommodate passengers attending the Chicago Auto Show, the South Shore Line will be offering select weekday train stops at McCormick Place Station, in addition to serving McCormick Place on weekends.
South Shore Line passengers are reminded that federal mask orders remain in effect mandating the use of masks or face coverings for all SSL passengers and employees. This order is in effect regardless of vaccination status.
MEETING NOTICE Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Executive Session – 12:00 P.M.
The Board of Trustees of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District will meet in Executive Session on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Office of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, 33 East U.S. Hwy. 12, Chesterton, Indiana. Members of the Board of Trustees and necessary staff may participate in the meeting electronically.
SERVICE ADVISORY
Independence Day (Observed) - July 5, 2021
The South Shore Line will operate a weekend/holiday train schedule on Monday, July 5, 2021, on the public observance of Independence Day.
The South Shore Line plans to bus passengers between South Bend, Carroll Ave. and Dune Park stations, effective Monday, June 14 through Friday, June 25. There will be no weekend busing June 19-20 between Carroll Ave. and Dune Park.
The South Shore Line announces that it is offering a “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” promotion for July monthly tickets. All monthly tickets purchased for the month of July 2021 will remain valid throughout August.
The South Shore Line announces a modification to this week’s temporary busing previously scheduled between Carroll Ave. and Gary/Chicago Airport stations. Effective Thursday and Friday, June 10-11, 2021, passengers will instead be bused between Carroll Ave. and Dune Park stations. Train service west of Dune Park Station will operate as regularly scheduled.
07 Jun 2021
Temporary Busing Between Carroll Ave & Gary/Chicago Airport (Clark Road) Stations: June 7-11, 2021
The South Shore Line plans to bus passengers to train stations located between Carroll Ave and Gary/Chicago Airport (Clark Rd) stations, effective Monday, June 7 through Friday, June 11. No weekend busing is planned during this time.
Temporary busing between Carroll Ave. & Gary Metro Center stations
June 1-4 & June 7-11, 2021
The South Shore Line plans to bus passengers to train stations located between Carroll Ave. and Gary Metro Center stations, effective Tuesday, June 1 through Friday, June 4 and again Monday, June 7 through Friday, June 11. No weekend busing is planned during this time.
The South Shore Line will operate a weekend/holiday train schedule on Monday, May 31, 2021, in observance of Memorial Day.
South Shore ticket offices will also observe holiday hours on May 31, with the Millennium Station ticket office open from 9:35 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other ticket offices will be closed.
South Shore Line passengers are advised that federal mask orders remain in effect mandating the use of masks or face coverings for all SSL passengers and employees.
The SSL, along with other public transportation entities, continues to abide by federal orders put forth by the Transportation Security Administration effective Feb. 1, 2021 until Sept. 13, 2021, as well as the Federal Railroad Administration’s “Emergency Order Requiring Face Mask Use in Railroad Operations.” The directives require the use of masks in all SSL stations and onboard trains throughout Indiana and Illinois. SSL employees will continue to strictly enforce the mandate, and passengers who do not comply with the mask mandate will be subject to removal from trains.
The South Shore Line plans to bus passengers to train stations located between Carroll Ave. and Gary Metro Center stations, effective Saturday, May 22 through Friday, May 28.
Passengers are advised that no bikes will be transported via bus.
Service to Beverly Shores is suspended during busing.
Michigan City 11th Street Station is temporarily closed effective May 1.
Executive Session – 9:30 A.M.
The Board of Trustees of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District will meet in Executive Session on Monday, May 24, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Office of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, 33 East U.S. Hwy. 12, Chesterton, Indiana. Members of the Board of Trustees and necessary staff may participate in the meeting electronically. The purpose of the meeting is discussion of strategy with respect to:
To help facilitate pre-construction Double Track third-party utility work and South Shore Line track work, temporary busing is scheduled to occur between Gary Metro Center, Carroll Ave., and South Bend International Airport stations, effective Monday, May 10 through Friday, May 21, including the weekend of May 15-16.
Passengers are advised that no bikes will be transported via bus.
Service to Beverly Shores and Hudson Lake is suspended during busing.
Michigan City 11th Street Station is temporarily closed as of May 1.
Board of Trustees Special Meeting – 10:30 A.M.
The Board of Trustees of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Office of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, 33 East U.S. Hwy. 12, Chesterton, Indiana. Members of the Board of Trustees may participate in the meeting electronically.
30 Apr 2021
SERVICE ADVISORY - Temporary busing between Carroll Ave. & Gary Metro Center: May 3-8, 2021
The South Shore Line is periodically busing passengers between various stations to help facilitate pre-construction third-party utility work and the Double Track NWI construction project (https://www.doubletrack-nwi.com/).
The next busing segment is scheduled to occur between Carroll Ave. and Gary Metro Center stations, effective Monday, May 3 through Saturday, May 8, 2021.
MEETING NOTICE: Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Board of Trustees Executive Session – 1:30 P.M.
The Board of Trustees of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District will hold an executive session on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administrative Office of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, 33 East U.S. Hwy. 12, Chesterton, Indiana. Members of the Board of Trustees may participate in the executive session electronically. The purpose of the executive session is to have a discussion of strategy with respect to:
Temporary Busing: April 20-23, 2021 and April 27-29, 2021
The South Shore Line announces plans to periodically bus passengers between various stations to help facilitate pre-construction third-party utility work and the Double Track NWI construction project (https://www.doubletrack-nwi.com/), which will substantially decrease travel times to and from Chicago.
The first of these busing segments will occur between Dune Park and Gary Metro Center stations, effective from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 20-23, 2021 and April 27-29, 2021.
The South Shore Line announces it will continue its “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” promotion to include May monthly tickets. All monthly tickets purchased for the month of May 2021 will remain valid throughout June.
Passengers purchasing a paper May monthly ticket should plan to keep that ticket and use it through June, and passengers purchasing a digital May monthly ticket via the mobile app will see a June ticket uploaded to their accounts prior to June 1.
The South Shore Line advises passengers that the Michigan City 11th Street Station and parking lots will be CLOSED for an extended period of time effective Saturday, May 1, 2021.
The 11th Street Station closure will be in effect to help facilitate pre-construction third-party utility work and the Double Track NWI construction project (https://www.doubletrack-nwi.com/), which will substantially decrease travel times to and from Chicago.
Effective immediately, eastbound Train 203, departing Millennium Station at 6:10a and arriving at Gary Metro Center at 7:07a, will return to its regularly scheduled operations.
Tr 203 had previously been canceled Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of each week due to track construction at East Chicago Station that impacted track availability.
The South Shore Line will operate a regular weekday train schedule on Good Friday, April 2, 2021. All ticket offices will observe regular weekday hours.
Further, all ticket offices will observe regular weekend hours on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.
South Shore Line Mask Requirement - Update March 25, 2021
South Shore Line passengers are advised that federal mask orders will remain in effect mandating the use of masks or face coverings for all SSL passengers and employees.
As announced on March 23, 2021, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb will downgrade the state’s mask requirement to a mask advisory, effective April 6, 2021. However, the governor encouraged citizens to continue to wear masks in public places and will continue to mandate masks within state properties.
Effective immediately, eastbound Train 203, departing Millennium Station at 6:10a and arriving at Gary Metro Center at 7:07a, will be canceled Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of each week through early April 2021.
The cancellation was extended to include Fridays due to ongoing track construction at East Chicago Station that impacts track availability. Monday service for Tr 203 will operate as regularly scheduled.
MEETING NOTICE - Monday, March 29, 2021
Executive Session – 9:30 A.M.
The Board of Trustees of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District will hold an executive session on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. Members of the Board of Trustees will participate in the executive session electronically. The purpose of the executive session is to have a discussion of strategy with respect to:
The South Shore Line announces that eastbound Train 203, operating between Millennium Station and Gary Metro Center, will be canceled for approximately four weeks, Tuesday through Thursday.
Passengers are advised that the City of Chicago has downgraded the State of Indiana’s travel status from “orange” to “yellow” in its Emergency Travel Order, effective Feb. 23, 2021.
05 Mar 2021
South Shore Line Police Officer Defends Self and Others from Unruly Individual at Hegewisch Station
At roughly 7:50 a.m. the morning of March 4, a 33-year-old man boarded South Shore Line westbound Train 114 in Hammond, Ind. When asked to pay for his ticket by the collector, the man refused and began to get extremely agitated. The collector quickly worked to de-escalate the situation and called the conductor for help. The offender became aggressive despite multiple attempts by the collector and conductor to calm him down.
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 March monthly tickets. All monthly tickets purchased for the month of March 2021 will remain valid throughout April.
In anticipation of forecasted freezing rain/snow and frigid temperatures in Northern Indiana, the South Shore Line plans to provide substitute bus service between South Bend and Michigan City Carroll Ave. beginning after 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. The busing is scheduled to occur Saturday evening, and all day Sunday and Monday. Conditions will be re-evaluated on Monday, Feb. 8, to determine if service can resume Tuesday between South Bend/Carroll Ave.
In accordance with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention federal order effective at 11:59pm ET on Feb. 1, 2021, the South Shore Line will continue to require masks or face coverings for all passengers and employees in stations and onboard our trains.
In addition to the CDC federal order, the SSL continues to abide by a State of Indiana Executive Order mandating the usage of masks that became effective Nov. 15, 2020. If a passenger is in need of a mask, the SSL will continue to provide masks free of charge. Passengers are reminded to maintain 6-feet of social distance from other individuals onboard all trains and at stations.
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.
Happy holidays from the South Shore Line! 
Passengers are advised of upcoming holiday train schedules:
Thursday, Dec. 24: Regular weekday schedule in effect on Christmas Eve.
Friday, Dec. 25 and Friday, Jan. 1: Weekend/holiday schedules in effect on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
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
- Wednesday, Nov. 25: A weekday schedule will be in effect on the day before Thanksgiving.
- Thursday, Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving Day): A weekend/holiday schedule will be in effect in observance of Thanksgiving Day.
- Friday, Nov. 27 (Black Friday): A weekday schedule will be in effect on the Friday following Thanksgiving.
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:
*UPDATE 2/1/21: In accordance with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention federal order effective at 11:59pm ET on Feb. 1, 2021, the South Shore Line will continue to require masks or face coverings for all passengers and employees in stations and onboard our trains. Certain passengers with medical/health issues and children under the age of two (2) are exempt from the mask mandate. Passengers who do not comply with the mask mandate will be subject to removal from trains.
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
Public Session – 10:30 A.M.
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:
*UPDATE 2/1/21: In accordance with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention federal order effective at 11:59pm ET on Feb. 1, 2021, the South Shore Line will continue to require masks or face coverings for all passengers and employees in stations and onboard our trains. Certain passengers with medical/health issues and children under the age of two (2) are exempt from the mask mandate. Passengers who do not comply with the mask mandate will be subject to removal from trains.
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.
*UPDATE 2/1/21: In accordance with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention federal order effective at 11:59pm ET on Feb. 1, 2021, the South Shore Line will continue to require masks or face coverings for all passengers and employees in stations and onboard our trains. Certain passengers with medical/health issues and children under the age of two (2) are exempt from the mask mandate. Passengers who do not comply with the mask mandate will be subject to removal from trains.
When: Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Time: 10am-11:30am CST
Where: Online Platform - GoTo Meeting
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).
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.
*UPDATE 2/1/21: In accordance with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention federal order effective at 11:59pm ET on Feb. 1, 2021, the South Shore Line will continue to require masks or face coverings for all passengers and employees in stations and onboard our trains. Certain passengers with medical/health issues and children under the age of two (2) are exempt from the mask mandate. Passengers who do not comply with the mask mandate will be subject to removal from trains.
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.
*UPDATE 2/1/21: In accordance with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention federal order effective at 11:59pm ET on Feb. 1, 2021, the South Shore Line will continue to require masks or face coverings for all passengers and employees in stations and onboard our trains. Certain passengers with medical/health issues and children under the age of two (2) are exempt from the mask mandate. Passengers who do not comply with the mask mandate will be subject to removal from trains.
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.
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.
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.