South Shore Line

{{Short description|Commuter rail system in Indiana and Illinois}} {{other uses}} {{Distinguish|text=the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad}} {{Use American English|date=February 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox public transit | name = South Shore Line | image = South Shore Line logo.svg | imagesize = 200px | alt = | image2 = South Shore Line - Calumet Trail west of Michigan City.jpg | imagesize2 = 300px | alt2 = Silver single-level electric passenger train passing through grassland | caption2 = A Lakeshore Corridor train west of Michigan City, Indiana | transit_type = Commuter rail | status =  | locale = Chicago, Illinois, to Dyer and South Bend, Indiana | start = Millennium Station | end = South Bend International Airport<br />Munster/Dyer | stations = 21 | lines = 2 | daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|IN Chesterton total daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}} | annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|IN Chesterton total annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}} | began_operation = 1903 | ended_operation = | owner = | operator = Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District | character = | stock = | system_length = {{convert|99|mi|km}} | tracklength = | notracks = | track_gauge = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}} | ogauge = | minimum_radius_of_curvature = | line_number = | el = {{1,500 V DC|conductor=overhead}} | speed = | website = {{URL|http://www.mysouthshoreline.com|mysouthshoreline.com}} | map = {{switcher |{{maplink-road |from1=Monon Corridor.map |from2=Lakeshore Corridor.map }} |Show interactive map |{{South Shore Line}} |Show route diagram }} | map_state = }}

The '''South Shore Line''' {{reporting mark|NICD}} is a commuter rail system operated by the '''Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District''' ('''NICTD''') between Millennium Station in downtown Chicago, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana, United States. The system consists of two service lines: the Lakeshore Corridor and the Monon Corridor. It primarily serves the Indiana portion of the Chicago metropolitan area.

The initial line was built in 1901–1908 by predecessors of the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad, which continues to operate freight service. Passenger operation was assumed by the NICTD in 1989, who also purchased the track in 1990. The South Shore Line is one of the last surviving interurban railroads in the United States. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|IN Chesterton total annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|IN Chesterton total daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.

==History== ===Private operation=== {{Main|Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad#History}}

{{stack|[[File:Chicago,-Lake-Shore-&-South-Bend-limited-train.jpg|thumb|A Chicago, Lake Shore & South Bend limited train near the Indiana Dunes in the 1920s]]}}  The South Shore Line was constructed between 1901 and 1908 by the Chicago and Indiana Air Line Railway (reorganized as the Chicago, Lake Shore and South Bend Railway [CLS&SB] in 1904). Revenue service between Michigan City and South Bend began on July 1, 1908.<ref>{{cite news |title=First car runs over new line |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-first-car-runs-ov/157960304/ |access-date=October 27, 2024 |newspaper=The South Bend Tribune |via=Newspapers.com |date=July 1, 1908 |location=South Bend, Indiana |page=8}}</ref> The CLS&SB leased the Kensington and Eastern Railroad on April 4, 1909, giving it access to Chicago. That year the full line to Kensington on the Illinois Central was completed, and beginning on June 2, 1912, the electric cars were coupled to IC steam locomotives and run to downtown Chicago.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |url=http://southshore.railfan.net/ss-hist.html |title=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad (NICTD) |author= |website=southshore.railfan.net }}</ref>

thumb|1925 broadside advertising the South Shore Line railroad between South Bend, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois to highlight attractions on the line, such as the beaches at Dunes State Park.

The Chicago, Lake Shore and South Bend entered bankruptcy in 1925 and was bought by Samuel Insull's Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad (CSS&SB).<ref>{{Harvnb|Ogorek|2012|p=9}}</ref> The line continued to handle both freight and passengers. Under Insull, the CSS&SB embarked on a major rehabilitation program. This included new ballast and ties, {{convert|100|lb|adj=on}} rail in place of {{convert|70|lb|adj=on}} rail, brush clearance, and an overhaul of the line's block signals.<ref>{{Harvnb|Middleton|1998|pp=6–7}}</ref> In 1949, the company acquired three Little Joe electric locomotives for freight service. These locomotives had originally been constructed for the Soviet Union, but changing attitudes due to the Cold War prevented them from being delivered. Although the exact same type as the Milwaukee Joes, the South Shore bought them before the Milwaukee did. These locomotives continued in freight service on the CSS&SB until 1983. No. 803, is preserved in operating condition at the Illinois Railway Museum.

The power system was changed from 6600 volts AC to 1500 volts DC on July 28, 1926, allowing trains to operate directly to the Illinois Central Railroad's Randolph Street Terminal (now Millennium Station) without an engine change. Trains began running to Randolph Street on August 29.<ref>{{Harvnb|Middleton|1998|p=8}}</ref> That same year, the original line between East Chicago and Indiana Harbor was abandoned.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

The Chicago South Shore and South Bend turned a profit during World War II due to the industrial nature of Northern Indiana. However, highway competition and suburban growth led to ridership declines. By the 1950s all interurban lines were seeing a decline in rail travel as automobile use increased.<ref name="Economic Adjustment Study pg 1">Economic Adjustment Study: Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad Corridor, Final Report; Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District,; March 1980; pg 1</ref> On September 16, 1956, a street running section in East Chicago was removed with the building of a new alignment alongside the Indiana Toll Road.<ref name=HamTimes1956>{{cite news |title=S. Shore on New Line |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-s-shore-on-new-line/158239508/ |access-date=November 1, 2024 |newspaper=The Hammond Times |via=Newspapers.com |date=September 16, 1956 |location=Hammond, Indiana |pages=1–[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-32-crossings-eliminated-on-sou/158239667/ 2]}} {{free access}}</ref> A truncation to west of downtown South Bend removed street trackage in that city from July 1, 1970.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

thumb|right|A Pullman Company electric interurban unit heading west toward Michigan City in 1980.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway acquired the CSS&SB on January 3, 1967, and continued the operation of passenger services.<ref>{{cite news|author=|title=South Shore Line Switch Approved|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=December 23, 1966|page=2 Section 10}}</ref> The Chicago South Shore and South Bend was one of six railroads with long-distance passenger services to decline joining Amtrak in 1971 and in 1976, they asked the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to abandon passenger service. The ICC gave the state of Indiana a chance to reply and subsequently, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) was formed in 1977 to subsidize service.

===Public operation=== [[File:NICTD 109 at 57th Street - Hyde Park Station.jpg|thumb|Southbound NICTD South Shore train, led by car No. 109, seen entering 57th Street station in Hyde Park, Chicago]] In the late 1980s, the Chicago South Shore and South Bend went bankrupt and on December 29, 1989, passenger service was assumed by NICTD.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.in.gov/itp/annual_reports/2010/special-districts/porter/PorterCountyNorthernIndianaCommuterTransportationDistrict2010FinalAuditReportLONGFS.pdf |page=15 |publisher=Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District |date=December 31, 2010 |title=Annual Report |access-date=January 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203005812/http://www.in.gov/itp/annual_reports/2010/special-districts/porter/PorterCountyNorthernIndianaCommuterTransportationDistrict2010FinalAuditReportLONGFS.pdf |archive-date=February 3, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In December 1990, the track was sold to NICTD and freight service was taken over by the new Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad, a subsidiary of short line operator Anacostia & Pacific. On November 21, 1992, the line's South Bend terminus moved from the Amtrak station to the airport.<ref name="nwi19921121">{{cite news | url=http://www.nwitimes.com/uncategorized/new-train-terminal-could-have-folks-heading-east-young/article_81b4de3c-7fff-5b58-b4e5-9bb0eac9ad83.html | title=New train terminal could have folks heading east, young | work=The Times of Northwest Indiana | date=November 21, 1992 | access-date=February 15, 2015 | author=Wieland, Phil}}</ref> On July 5, 1994, NICTD closed the Ambridge, Kemil Road, Willard Avenue, LaLumiere, Rolling Prairie, and New Carlisle flag stops. A seventh station, Dune Acres, closed around the same time once parking was expanded at nearby Dune Park.<ref>{{cite news | date=June 17, 1994 | author=Dodson, Paul | title=South Shore Railroad Will Close 7 Flagstops | work=South Bend Tribune | page=B2}} There was a train station on the Chain Lakes, near Lydick Indiana. The South Shore had discontinued the stop in 1936 and was later destroyed by fire. The station was located near the Chain-O-Lakes Conservation Club. During that time, in the mid-1930s the Northern Indiana Railroad, and the New York Central made stops in Lydick. The New York Central stopped making stops when it was absorbed into Penn Central in 1968. The Northern Indiana Railroad, however, abandoned the service in 1934. The entire Northern Indiana Railroad was abandoned in 1940 leaving only the South Shore, the last interurban railroad in the United States. </ref> The railroad began a 3-year project in 2009 to replace all catenary on its line between Michigan City and Gary, some of which was nearly 90 years old. The project cost $18 million and caused service disruptions on weekends while new wires were strung.<ref>{{cite web|title=NICTD Board Meeting Minutes July 31, 2009|url=http://www.nictd.com/minutes/Jul312009.pdf|publisher=Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District|access-date=September 11, 2010|date=July 31, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714182253/http://www.nictd.com/minutes/Jul312009.pdf|archive-date=July 14, 2011}}</ref>

The Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE), replaced a bridge on the South Shore Line across 130th Street, Torrence Avenue, and Norfolk Southern tracks in the Hegewisch neighborhood of Chicago as a part of a four-year project lasting from 2011 to 2015.<ref name=CREATE>{{cite news|url=http://www.progressiverailroading.com/mow/news.asp?id=27724|title=Major grade separation underway in Chicago, Illinois Gov. Quinn says|publisher=Progressive Railroading|date=August 24, 2011|access-date=November 8, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://createprogram.org/factsheets/GS15a.pdf|title=GS15a 130th & Torrence & Norfolk Southern Grade Separation|publisher=CREATE|date=July 2015|access-date=November 5, 2020|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118014902/http://www.createprogram.org/factsheets/GS15a.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The 2,350-ton bridge would be put in place in August 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/illinois/bridge-weighing-2-350-tons-put-in-place-for-south-shore/article_1c497609-920a-53e1-be3e-7d1a9ea0139a.html|title=Bridge weighing 2,350 tons put in place for South Shore |last=Lach|first=Jeanette|newspaper=The Times|date=August 25, 2012|access-date=November 5, 2020}}</ref>

In 2015 NICTD began an express service between South Bend and Chicago. Targeted at business travelers, the train makes just two intermediate stops: Dune Park and East Chicago. The total scheduled travel time is 1 hour 55 minutes, more than thirty minutes faster than existing services.<ref name="sbt20150203">{{cite news | url=http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/chicago-express-a-major-step-for-south-shore/article_c61f0a54-ab53-5ff0-a4dc-7acf9afe4db3.html | title=Chicago express a major step for South Shore | work=South Bend Tribune | date=February 3, 2015 | access-date=February 15, 2015 | author=Allen, Kevin}}</ref>

In July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, NICTD implemented "mask optional cars" for riders choosing not to wear masks, as Indiana did not have a statewide mask mandate.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gordon |first=Aaron |date=November 19, 2020 |title=Commuter Rail's Mask-Optional 'Dumb Ass Car' Emblematic of U.S.'s COVID-19 Response |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/commuter-rails-mask-optional-dumb-ass-car-emblematic-of-uss-covid-19-response/ |access-date=November 25, 2020 |website=Vice.com |language=en}}</ref> This received a controversial reception at the time, as it was alleged at the time to not help slow down the spread of the coronavirus disease, and the "mask optional" car was also the only car with bike racks.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hoyer |first=Sharon |date=October 9, 2020 |title="It's foolish": Experts say South Shore's Mask Optional Car could cause super-spreader event |url=https://chi.streetsblog.org/2020/10/09/its-foolish-experts-say-south-shore-lines-mask-optional-car-normalizes-recklessness/ |website=Streetsblog Chicago}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Greenfield |first=John |date=September 23, 2020 |title=Idiocy or genius? The South Shore Line tries quarantining anti-maskers in a separate car |url=https://chi.streetsblog.org/2020/09/23/idiocy-or-genius-the-south-shore-line-tries-quarantining-anti-maskers-in-a-separate-car/ |website=Streetsblog Chicago}}</ref> On November 14, 2020, the "mask optional cars" were discontinued, requiring all passengers to wear a mask.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Freeland |first=Jenny |date=November 16, 2020 |title=Digest: South Shore ends 'mask optional' cars |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/digest-south-shore-ends-mask-optional-cars/ |access-date=October 23, 2024 |website=Trains}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2020 |title=Mask Announcement Update - 7/27/2020 |url=https://www.mysouthshoreline.com/news/item/299-mask-announcement-update-7-27-2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416152320/https://www.mysouthshoreline.com/news/item/299-mask-announcement-update-7-27-2020 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |access-date=October 23, 2024 |website=South Shore Line}}</ref>

====Michigan City realignment and Double Track project==== [[File:South Shore 512 (3542718093).jpg|thumb|right|South Shore train at the 11th Street stop in Michigan City, Indiana]] Since 2005, there had been an ongoing debate pertaining to plans to relocate trackage off the streets of Michigan City.<ref name="Michigan City">{{cite news |last=Maddux |first=Stan |date=February 14, 2008 |title=Michigan City weighs South Shore track route |url=http://www.post-trib.com/news/793787%2Ctrackroute.article |access-date=February 18, 2008 |publisher=Post-Tribune}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In July 2009, NICTD announced its intention to relocate the Michigan City track south of its current location in order to smooth out the curves, cut down the number of grade crossings, increase speed and reduce maintenance costs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=South Shore re-route map |url=http://emichigancity.com/pdf/South-Shore-Reroute-Map.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219080152/http://emichigancity.com/pdf/South-Shore-Reroute-Map.pdf |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |access-date=October 28, 2009}}</ref> The plan also called for the replacement of both current stations with a single new station located a block west of the 11th Street boarding location (between Franklin and Washington streets) with a modern, high-level platform and parking lot. The plan would require a demolition of residential and retail buildings on the south side of 11th Street.<ref>{{cite news |author=Wink |first=Laurie |date=June 9, 2009 |title=More South Shore details released |url=http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=23822&TM=39824.82 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090730011637/http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=23822&TM=39824.82 |archive-date=July 30, 2009 |access-date=August 22, 2009 |newspaper=The News-Dispatch |location=LaPorte County, Indiana}}</ref>

The relocation effort faced a setback in March 2010 when NICTD announced that it was short necessary funds to complete the preliminary engineering study. Unless the funding was found, the relocation would have been postponed indefinitely since, without the engineering study, NICTD would not be able to get state and federal funds necessary to complete the relocation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ebaugh |first=Alicia |date=March 25, 2010 |title=Funding dire for South Shore study |url=http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2010/03/25/news/local/doc4baae3e7a3833658149498.txt |access-date=March 26, 2010 |newspaper=The News-Dispatch |location=LaPorte County, Indiana}}</ref> NICTD and the city continued to work on obtaining the funds needed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Field |first=Matt |date=August 17, 2010 |title=City prepares to study South Shore routes |url=http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2010/08/19/news/local/doc4c6a09045adc7426656343.txt |access-date=August 19, 2010 |newspaper=The News-Dispatch |location=LaPorte County, Indiana}}</ref> In 2011 NICTD accepted bids for a $1 million study, expected to take 18 months.<ref>{{cite news |last=Field |first=Matt |date=January 28, 2011 |title=Bids sought for NICTD study |url=http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/01/31/news/local/doc4d4252a6284f7714209838.txt |access-date=February 9, 2011 |newspaper=The News-Dispatch |location=LaPorte County, Indiana}}</ref> The study was completed in October 2013. The preferred alternative identified by the study preserved an alignment similar to the current route but relocated the tracks alongside the street. It proposed replacing the two existing stations with a new station near the center of Michigan City.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michigan City/NICTD Rail Realignment Study |url=http://www.nictd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Michigan-City_NICTD-Rail-Realignment-Study_Final.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513074505/http://www.nictd.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Michigan-City_NICTD-Rail-Realignment-Study_Final.pdf |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |access-date=May 12, 2016}}</ref>

As part of the Double Track Northwest Indiana project, NICTD added a second track along about {{Convert|26.6|mi}} from Gary to Michigan City during the 2020s.<ref name="Brown s893">{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Alex |date=May 13, 2024 |title='It's surreal': Leaders mark opening of South Shore Double Track |url=https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/its-surreal-leaders-mark-opening-of-south-shore-double-track |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=Inside INdiana Business}}</ref> Work on the Double Track project commenced in 2021,<ref name="Federighi u371">{{cite web |last=Federighi |first=Ric |date=April 5, 2024 |title=South Shore Line Double Track NWI Project construction update |url=https://wimsradio.com/2024/04/04/south-shore-line-double-track-nwi-project-construction-update-6/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=95.1 FM/AM 1420 WIMS Radio}}</ref> and the Michigan City realignment was completed as part of the project.<ref>{{cite news |last=Steele |first=Andrew |date=February 11, 2020 |title=South Shore's Double Track project advances in federal grant process |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/south-shore-s-double-track-project-advances-in-federal-grant/article_3aa5493f-f831-5bfd-bcba-ae11e9c691c8.html |access-date=February 16, 2020 |newspaper=The Times of Northwest Indiana}}</ref> Street running ended on February 27, 2022, and buses temporarily replaced trains within this section.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 25, 2022 |title=Double-track construction set to end South Shore street running |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/double-track-construction-sent-to-end-south-shore-street-running/ |website=Trains}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Franz |first1=Justin |date=February 24, 2022 |title=South Shore Street Running Ends This Weekend |url=https://railfan.com/south-shore-street-running-ends-this-weekend/ |website=Railfan & Railroad Magazine}}</ref> Service between Dune Park and Carroll Avenue resumed on October 25, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 13, 2023 |title=South Shore Line Schedule Revision/Service Announcement Oct. 25, 2023 |url=https://mysouthshoreline.com/south-shore-line-schedule-revision-service-announcement-oct-25-2023/ |website=South Shore Line}}</ref> Service on the remaining closed section between Gary and Dune Park restarted on April 9, 2024,<ref>{{cite web |date=April 9, 2024 |title=South Shore Line ends temporary busing on Tuesday |url=https://www.wndu.com/2024/04/09/south-shore-line-ends-temporary-busing-tuesday/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=WNDU-TV}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gallenberger |first=Michael |date=March 25, 2024 |title=South Shore Line trains to resume running between Gary and Dune Park in April |url=https://www.lakeshorepublicmedia.org/local-news/2024-03-25/south-shore-line-trains-to-resume-running-between-gary-and-dune-park-in-april |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=Lakeshore Public Media}}</ref> with a new schedule taking advantage of the double track beginning on May 14.<ref name="Brown s893" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kate |first1=Annie |date=March 25, 2024 |title=South Shore Line busing to end April 9, double track opens |url=https://www.abc57.com/news/south-shore-line-busing-to-end-april-9-double-track-opens |access-date=April 4, 2024 |work=ABC57}}</ref><ref name="WSBT 2024 f110">{{cite web |date=May 13, 2024 |title=South Shore double track project complete, schedules begin after grand opening |url=https://wsbt.com/news/local/south-shore-double-track-project-complete-schedule-grand-opening-ribbon-cutting-transportation-train-chicago-michigan-city-gary-indiana-illinois |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=WSBT}}</ref> The Double Track project cost $649 million in total.<ref name="Federighi u371" /><ref name="WSBT 2024 f110" /> Carroll Avenue station remains open despite prior plans to close it as part of the project.

====Monon Corridor==== {{Main|Monon Corridor}}

NICTD planned to apply for federal funding for a preliminary engineering study and environmental survey of a Hammond-to-Lowell leg in 2009. {{As of|2008}}, that leg had a projected price tag of $551 million.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benman |first=Keith |date=December 17, 2008 |title=Study: Valpo-to-Munster SS line would add few riders |url=http://nwitimes.com/news/local/article_334bb5c1-5cd9-5efc-b8af-e145ac985c9a.html |access-date=September 1, 2009 |newspaper=The Times of Northwest Indiana}}</ref> {{As of|2019}}, the cost has increased to $665 million. NICTD was awarded funding in the spring of 2020 and the line broke ground in October 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zorn |first1=Tim |date=October 28, 2020 |title=South Shore West Lake expansion project breaks ground; 4-year construction cost estimated at $945M |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/ct-ptb-munster-west-lake-groundbreaking-st-1029-20201028-y4cgpvtb6vasvf6dhjqv3ckk7u-story.html |access-date=November 22, 2020 |publisher=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> The project was originally estimated to open to revenue service in May 2025,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carden |first1=Dan |date=October 28, 2020 |title=West Lake commuter rail line construction could begin in October |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/business/transportation/west-lake-commuter-rail-line-construction-could-begin-in-october/article_35648a37-f556-5257-b7c5-3f4cd0cd9e84.html |access-date=September 17, 2024 |work=The Times of Northwest Indiana |agency=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallenberger |first=Michael |date=July 24, 2023 |title=Progress continues on Double Track, West Lake Corridor |url=https://www.lakeshorepublicmedia.org/local-news/2023-07-24/progress-continues-on-double-track-west-lake-corridor |access-date=July 13, 2024 |website=Lakeshore Public Media |language=en}}</ref> but ultimately began operation March 31, 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abdessalam |first1=Nuha |title=South Shore Line extension opens, giving Lansing residents a closer train option to Chicago |url=https://thelansingjournal.org/2026/03/31/south-shore-line-extension-opens-giving-lansing-residents-a-closer-train-option-to-chicago/ |access-date=April 2, 2026 |work=The Lansing Journal |date=March 31, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Ross | first=Doug | title=Trains now running along Monon Corridor; South Shore Line dedicates route between severe storms | website=Chicago Tribune | date=2026-03-31 | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/31/trains-now-running-along-monon-corridor-south-shore-line-dedicates-route-between-severe-storms/ | access-date=2026-04-02}}</ref>

The new service runs through Hammond and Munster to Dyer, with a possible later extension to St. John. Trains run as shuttles between Hammond and Dyer during off-peak hours, continuing to Millennium Station during peak hours.<ref>{{Cite report |url=http://www.nictdwestlake.com/assets/documents/DEIS_Alternatives.pdf |title=West Lake Corridor Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Chapter 2: Alternatives Considered) |last1=Simón |first1=Marisol R. |last2=Noland |first2=Michael |last3=Federal Transit Administration |author-link3=Federal Transit Administration |last4=USDoT |author-link4=United States Department of Transportation |last5=US Army Corps of Engineers |author-link5=United States Army Corps of Engineers |date=December 2, 2016 |publisher=NICTD |access-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref> The alignment of the new branch leaves the old CSS&SB main immediately before the original Hammond station. Hence, the NICTD built the Hammond Gateway station to serve both branches,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2017 |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.nictdwestlake.com/faqs/ |access-date=July 16, 2017 |website=West Lake Corridor}}</ref> which opened in October 2024.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 18, 2024 |title=South Shore opens new Hammond, Ind., station |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/south-shore-opens-new-hammond-ind-station/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=Trains}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Federighi |first=Ric |date=October 18, 2024 |title=South Shore Line announces new Hammond Gateway Station to open October 18 |url=https://wimsradio.com/2024/10/18/south-shore-line-announces-new-hammond-gateway-station-to-open-october-18/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=95.1 FM/AM 1420 WIMS Radio}}</ref>

==Rolling stock==

===Current=== {{Infobox train | background = | name = Single-level electric multiple unit | image = SS608 Carroll Ave. (50192610616).jpg | imagesize = | caption = | interiorimage = | interiorcaption = | service = 1982–present | manufacturer = Nippon Sharyo | factory = | family = | replaced = | yearconstruction = 1982–1983, 1992, 2001 | yearservice = | refurbishment = | yearscrapped = | numberconstruction = | numberbuilt = 68 | numberservice = | numberpreserved = | numberscrapped = | formation = Married-pair | fleetnumbers = 1–48, 201–210, 101–110 | capacity = 93<ref name="NS EMU">{{cite web|url=http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/products/pages/zchicago.htm|title=Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) for NICTD|access-date=July 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722125953/http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/products/pages/zchicago.htm|archive-date=July 22, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> | operator = CSS&SB, NICTD | depots = | lines = South Shore Line | carbody = stainless steel | trainlength = | carlength = {{Convert|85|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="NS EMU" /> | width = {{Convert|10|ft|6|in|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="NS EMU" /> | height = {{Convert|15|ft|11|in|m||abbr=on}}<ref name="NS EMU" /> | floorheight = | platformheight = | entrylevelorstep = | art-sections = | doors = | wheeldiameter = {{Convert|36|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="NS EMU" /> | wheelbase = {{Convert|8|ft|2+1/2|in|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="NS EMU" /> | maxspeed = {{Convert|79|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}<ref name="NS EMU" /> | weight = {{Convert|118000|lbs|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="NS EMU" /> (empty) | acceleration = | deceleration = | traction = IGBT-VVVF (Toshiba)<ref name="Toshiba">{{cite web|url=https://www.toshiba.co.jp/infrastructure/en/railway/business/history.htm|title=History {{!}} Railway Systems {{!}} Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation {{!}} Transportation System History List|website=Toshiba|access-date=August 20, 2021}}</ref> | engine = | poweroutput = | transmission = | aux = | hvac = Electric heating, Air conditioning | powersupply = | electricsystem = {{1,500 V DC|conductor=overhead}} | collectionmethod = Pantograph | traction motors = 3-phase AC induction motor (Toshiba)<ref name="Toshiba" /> | uicclass = Bo’Bo’+Bo’Bo’ | aarwheels = B-B+B-B | bogies = ND-312<ref name="NS EMU" /> | brakes = | safety = | coupling = Tomlinson | multipleworking = | gauge = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}} }}

[[File:New Cars! (3687989827).jpg|thumb|right|A bi-level unit in service in 2009.]] The South Shore Line operates with a fleet of 82 rail cars built between 1982 and 2009 by Nippon Sharyo. The fleet consists of 58 single-level self-propelled cars, 10 single-level unpowered trailers, and 14 bilevel self-propelled cars.<ref name="transit2013">{{cite web | url=http://www.in.gov/indot/files/Transit_2013PublicTransitReport.pdf | title=2013 Indiana Public Transit Annual Report | work=Indiana Department of Transportation | date=August 2014 | access-date=February 15, 2015 | pages=111}}</ref> The single level fleet's design shares commonalities with MARC's locomotive-hauled MARC II fleet, which were also built by Nippon Sharyo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/products_history.html|title=Nippon Sharyo USA Product History|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626054605/http://www.nipponsharyousa.com/products_history.html|archive-date=June 26, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> An additional 26 cars are planned to be acquired, replacing those to be transferred to Monon Corridor services.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Andrew Steele |first1=Andrew Steele |title=NICTD to begin search for rail car manufacturer |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/nictd-to-begin-search-for-rail-car-manufacturer/article_ea80d3ea-dd54-5d6e-840e-d9ccef88b337.html |access-date=November 8, 2020 |agency=The Times Of Northwest Indiana |date=December 2, 2018}}</ref> Several Highliner IIs from Metra Electric have already been acquired.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1448763099465588738 |user=Metra |title=Metra crews have been working on repainting some of our Highliner cars, referred to as HL1s since they were the first of the Highliners delivered to Metra, for service on the @southshoreline (NICTD). |date=October 14, 2021 |access-date=October 23, 2024}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" |- !Numbers !Model !Built !Builder !notes |- |1–48 |Single-level electric multiple unit |1982–83, 1992 | rowspan="5" |Nippon Sharyo |Engineer cab on both ends |- |201–210 |Trailer |1992 | |- |101–110 |Single-level electric multiple unit |2001 |Engineer cab on only one end. |- |301–314 |Highliner II |2009 | |- |1201–1226 |Highliner II |2005–2006 |Ex Metra Electric |}

=== Retired === Pullman and the Standard Steel Car Company delivered electric multiple units to the CSS&SB between 1926 and 1929. Many were lengthened in the 1940s and 1950s.<ref name="rpc">{{cite book | title=Railway Passenger Car Annual, Volume I, 1973–1974 | publisher=RPC Publications | author=Randall, W. David | year=1974 | location=Park Forest, IL | pages=74–75}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style=font-size:90% |- !Numbers !Model !Built !Builder !Notes |- |1–11 | rowspan="2" |62-seat coach | rowspan="3" |1908 | rowspan="2" |Niles |Two cars scrapped prior to 1923; the remainder scrapped in 1929{{sfn|CERA|1960}} |- |12–15 |Built as trailers. Rebuilt in 1915 with motors. Baggage compartments added in 1925. Scrapped in summer of 1929.{{sfn|CERA|1960}} |- |60–61 | rowspan="3" |48-seat suburban car |Kuhlman |60 wrecked prior to 1918. 61 scrapped in 1927{{sfn|CERA|1960}} |- |62–63 |1903 |Brill |Originally Chicago and Indiana Air Line Railway cars 1 and 2{{sfn|CERA|1960}} |- |64 |1918 |Kuhlman |Built as a replacement for car 60{{sfn|CERA|1960}} |- |70–71 |54-seat coach | rowspan="4" |1908 | rowspan="3" |Niles |71 rebuilt as CSS&SB 401 in 1927. 70 used as a yard office and scrapped in 1935.{{sfn|CERA|1960}} |- |72–74 |46-seat combine |Rebuilt with larger baggage compartments. 73 wrecked in 1909 and rebuilt to work motor 1126 in 1927; undergoing restoration.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mazurek |first1=Marek |title=Train car restoration sheds light on history of South Shore Railroad |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2020/01/05/ain-car-restoration-sheds-light-on-history-of-south-shore-railroad/43900691/ |access-date=November 1, 2024 |agency=South Bend Tribune |date=January 5, 2020}}</ref> 72 rebuilt to line car 1101 in 1927. 74 used as trainmen's room at South Bend and scrapped in 1941.{{sfn|CERA|1960}} |- |75–77 |54-seat coach |Scrapped in summer of 1929{{sfn|CERA|1960}} |- |101–110 |52-seat coach |Kuhlman |Two cars rebuilt into CSS&SB 222 and 224 in 1927. The remainder were scrapped in 1929.{{sfn|CERA|1960}} |- |111–112 |60-seat open vestibule car |{{data missing|date=November 2024}} |{{data missing|date=November 2024}} | rowspan="2" |Purchased in 1917. Formerly AT&SF cars.{{sfn|CERA|1960}} |- |113–114 |56-seat open vestibule car |{{data missing|date=November 2024}} |{{data missing|date=November 2024}} |- |1–10 |56-seat coach smoker | rowspan="2" |1926 | rowspan="3" |Pullman | |- |11–15 | rowspan="3" |80-seat coach |Lengthened in 1942–46 |- |16–25 |1927 |Lengthened in 1945–47 |- |26–29 | rowspan="3" |1929 | rowspan="4" |Standard Steel |Lengthened in 1948 |- |30–37; 39 |48-seat coach smoker | |- |38 |56-seat coach | |- |40 |48-seat coach smoker |1938 |Rebuilt from trailer no. 213 |- |100–109 |64–68 seat coach–baggage |1926 |Pullman |Lengthened in 1943–44 and modernized in 1949–50 |- |110–111 |64-seat coach–baggage |1951 |Standard Steel |Rebuilt from coaches nos. 10 and 29 |- |201–206 |80-seat coach trailer | rowspan="2" |1927 | rowspan="3" |Pullman |Lengthened in 1946–48 |- |207–210 | rowspan="2" |50-seat coach smoker trailer | |- |211–212 |1929 | |- |351–352 |16-seat parlor–observation–buffet trailer |1927 | |Originally 20 fixed chairs; rebuilt with 16 rotating chairs in 1929; rebuilt as coaches in 1942 |- |353–354 |56-seat coach trailer |1938–39 |Standard Steel |Rebuilt from parlors built in 1929 |}

<gallery widths="150" float="center"> File:Chicago, Lake Shore & South Bend 33.jpg|A CLS&SB wood-bodied interurban car at a siding File:South Bend CSS Aug 1962 2-27.jpg|CSS&SB no. 102, built by Pullman in 1926, street-running in South Bend in 1962 File:19681229 04 South Shore Line, Randolph St. (6686992869).jpg|CSS&SB no. 31, built by Standard Steel Car in 1929, at Randolph Street in 1968 </gallery>

== Fare policies == The South Shore Line uses a zone-based fare system, with prices based on the distance traveled and stations' proximity to Millennium Station. There are a total of eleven zones (1–11). Tickets may be purchased at stations, online, and through the South Shore mobile app. Ticket options include one-way, 10-ride, 25-ride, and monthly passes. One-way tickets may also be purchased on trains, but will incur a $1.00 penalty fee if a ticket agent was present at the departure station. Children aged 13 years and under, seniors aged 65 and over, passengers with disabilities, students, active-duty military personnel, and those holding RTA Reduced Fare Permits are eligible for reduced fares. NICTD accepts cash aboard trains, cash and checks at ticket offices, and credit cards online and at Millennium Station's ticket office. Most stations have ticket machines which only accept credit cards.<ref>{{cite web |title=Purchase Tickets |url=https://mysouthshoreline.com/plan-your-trip/purchase-tickets |website=South Shore Line |access-date=August 10, 2020}}</ref> For travel to Hegewisch station (zone 3), fares are set by Metra.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 18, 2018 |title=SSL Board Approves Fare Increase Effective July 1, 2018 |url=https://mysouthshoreline.com/news/item/171-ssl-board-approves-fare-increase-effective-july-1-2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521113510/https://mysouthshoreline.com/news/item/171-ssl-board-approves-fare-increase-effective-july-1-2018 |archive-date=May 21, 2018 |access-date= |website=South Shore Line}}</ref>

== Proposed expansions and realignments ==

===South Shore Line Airport Realignment=== {{main|South Shore Line Airport Realignment}}

There are proposals to replace the South Bend terminus with a new station. Since 2006,<ref name="nextstop">{{cite web |last1=Parrott |first1=Jeff |title=Next stop downtown? Buttigieg wants South Shore to run into the heart of South Bend |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/next-stop-downtown-buttigieg-wants-south-shore-to-run-into/article_c56e5214-9907-5273-a286-7306e2b6ce0e.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224060604/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/next-stop-downtown-buttigieg-wants-south-shore-to-run-into/article_c56e5214-9907-5273-a286-7306e2b6ce0e.html |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |access-date=15 November 2019 |publisher=South Bend Tribune|date=August 13, 2018}}</ref> plans had been made to explore relocating the station to the west end of the South Bend International Airport.<ref name="sbtapril10">{{cite web |last1=Booker |first1=Ted |date=January 3, 2019 |title=St. Joseph County plans to study options for South Shore rail line to west side of airport |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/st-joseph-county-plans-to-study-options-for-south-shore/article_ab1d2b5e-dd51-5db5-abe8-2d6c301a2484.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410064719/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/st-joseph-county-plans-to-study-options-for-south-shore/article_ab1d2b5e-dd51-5db5-abe8-2d6c301a2484.html |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |access-date=April 10, 2019 |website=South Bend Tribune}}</ref><ref name="fiveoptions1">{{cite web |last1=Steele |first1=Andrew |date=April 21, 2019 |title=Five options for new South Shore station in South Bend |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/five-options-for-new-south-shore-station-in-south-bend/article_c53d215b-5cc1-57e1-a9cc-9a2cc8e84224.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410070122/https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/five-options-for-new-south-shore-station-in-south-bend/article_c53d215b-5cc1-57e1-a9cc-9a2cc8e84224.html |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |access-date=April 10, 2019 |website=Northwest Indiana Times}}</ref> Locally preferred alternatives were presented to the original proposal to relocate the station.<ref name="fiveoptions1" /><ref name="sbtjan3">{{cite web |last1=Booker |first1=Ted |date=January 3, 2019 |title=St. Joseph County plans to study options for South Shore rail line to west side of airport |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/our_opinion/editorial-confused-about-the-south-shore-plan-in-south-bend/article_f4986d55-822b-5a00-9dbe-4c33a6b27429.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410064733/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/opinion/our_opinion/editorial-confused-about-the-south-shore-plan-in-south-bend/article_f4986d55-822b-5a00-9dbe-4c33a6b27429.html |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |access-date=April 10, 2019 |website=South Bend Tribune}}</ref> In 2018, South Bend's mayor Pete Buttigieg ordered a study of five possible locations for a new station serving South Bend.<ref name="sbtjan3" /> The South Bend Redevelopment Commission commissioned a study that December to further examine the cost of a station in downtown South Bend.<ref name="engineeringstudy">{{cite web |date=17 December 2018 |title=Engineering study approved for proposed South Shore Line station in downtown South Bend |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/engineering-study-approved-for-proposed-south-shore-line-station-in/article_e0936478-c4ce-58ca-bc83-0e3a7bee6aa0.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026154833/https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/engineering-study-approved-for-proposed-south-shore-line-station-in/article_e0936478-c4ce-58ca-bc83-0e3a7bee6aa0.html |archive-date=October 26, 2019 |access-date=26 October 2019 |publisher=South Bend Tribune}}</ref><ref name="Booker2019a">{{cite web |last1=Booker |first1=Ted |date=January 2, 2019 |title=St. Joseph County plans to study options for South Shore rail line to west side of airport |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2019/01/02/st-joseph-county-plans-to-study-options-for-south-shore-rail-line-to-west-side-of-airpor/117179900/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520021616/https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2019/01/02/st-joseph-county-plans-to-study-options-for-south-shore-rail-line-to-west-side-of-airpor/117179900/ |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |access-date=25 May 2022 |website=South Bend Tribune}}</ref> In 2022, NICTD's board of trustees voted to issue a request for proposals to move the station to the west side of the airport.<ref name="SteeleAugust2022">{{cite web |last1=Steele |first1=Andrew |date=August 2, 2022 |title=South Shore Line takes step toward moving South Bend station |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/south-shore-line-takes-step-toward-moving-south-bend-station/article_ab52659d-d70a-555b-9913-ddc0528355e2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110125330/https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/south-shore-line-takes-step-toward-moving-south-bend-station/article_ab52659d-d70a-555b-9913-ddc0528355e2.html |archive-date=November 10, 2022 |access-date=17 August 2022 |website=nwitimes.com |publisher=The Times (Munster, Indiana) |language=en}}</ref> {{As of|2025}}, NICTD is moving forward with its plans to build a new station on the airport's west side, dubbing the project the "South Shore Line Airport Realignment". However, they have not ruled out the possibility of reestablishing service to downtown South Bend in the future.<ref>{{cite web | title=South Shore Line: NICTD's 'The Little Railroad That Could' Prospers and Grows | date=May 8, 2025 | url=https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/commuterregional/south-shore-line-nictds-the-little-railroad-that-could-prospers-and-grows/ |website=Railway Age|last=Peter Alan|first=David}}</ref>

=== Valparaiso branch === At a legislative hearing in October 2008, NICTD officials said they would drop further study of a Munster-to-Valparaiso route, and begin study of a Gary–Valparaiso route. At the hearing, NICTD officials said the projected cost of $673 million for the Munster-to-Valparaiso route as well as low projected ridership would have made it ineligible for federal funding and opted to study the Gary-to-Valparaiso route instead.<ref>{{cite news |last=Benman |first=Keith |date=December 17, 2008 |title=Study: Valpo route no good |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-study-valpo-route-no-good/157664988/ |access-date=October 23, 2024 |newspaper=The Times of Northwest Indiana |page=A1 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> The Gary-to-Valparaiso route would utilize the partially abandoned former Pennsylvania Railroad line. NICTD officials contend the shorter length of a Gary-to-Valparaiso run and the chance to use existing tracks there may make it a lower-cost alternative to the Munster-to-Valparaiso route. A Valparaiso branch via Hobart and Wheeler was again proposed in the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority's 2025 strategic plan.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=RDA Strategic Plan |url=https://www.nwitdd.com/rda-strategic-plan |access-date=2026-04-02 |website=Northwest Indiana Transit Development Districts |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Other proposed projects === In addition to the Valparaiso branch, the Regional Development Authority's 2025 strategic plan proposed a new South Shore Line branch to Crown Point via Hammond, as well as a southern extension of the Monon Corridor to St. John and beyond.<ref name=":1" />

Studies are underway to reestablish a station in New Carlisle to supplant Hudson Lake station.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spalding |first1=Mary Beth |title=Options open for New Carlisle site as county clears old trailers |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/business/options-open-for-new-carlisle-site-as-county-clears-old-trailers/article_d719e4a6-cc43-11ea-afe5-9b2720dda655.html |website=South Bend Tribune |access-date=November 12, 2020 |language=en |date=July 24, 2020}}</ref>

In the 1980s and 1990s, there was some discussion about the possibility of extending the line from South Bend east to Elkhart County, Indiana.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 5, 1992 |title=Tie that binds |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-tie-that-binds/157665016/ |access-date=October 23, 2024 |work=The South Bend Tribune |page=16 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 26, 1997 |title=Editorial positions set agenda for 1997 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-editorial-positio/157665027/ |access-date=October 23, 2024 |work=The South Bend Tribune |page=15 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> In 1988, Elkhart, Indiana Mayor James Perron pushed for the government to look into making long-term plans for an extension into his city.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kurowski |first=Jeff |date=December 12, 1988 |title=Perron pushes for extension of South Shore |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-perron-pushes-for/129336996/ |access-date=October 23, 2024 |work=The South Bend Tribune |page=10 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

== Station listing == {{Main|Lakeshore Corridor#Station listing|Monon Corridor#Station listing}} The South Shore Line serves passengers through stations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and Northwest Indiana. Each station along the Lakeshore Corridor provides travel toward (inbound) and away from (outbound) downtown Chicago. Most trains along the Monon Corridor travel exclusively on its own branch line between Hammond Gateway and Munster/Dyer, while select peak hour trains continue north onto the Lakeshore Corridor into downtown Chicago.

The Lakeshore Corridor originates at Millennium Station, formerly and still often called Randolph Street Terminal, shared with the Metra Electric District. The station is situated within walking distance of the Chicago Loop.

Stations are found throughout Chicago, as well as in suburban Cook County, Illinois, as well as Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and St. Joseph counties in Indiana.

=== Routes === The South Shore Line operates two lines; the Lakeshore Corridor, which is its historical {{convert|90|mi|km|adj=on}} main line, and the Monon Corridor, a short {{convert|9|mi|km|adj=on}} branch line, which serves the Northwestern Indiana municipalities of Hammond, Munster, and Dyer.

== Accidents and incidents == Throughout the over 120 years of operation, several passengers have been injured or died in accidents on the South Shore Line.

On June 19, 1909, twelve people died when two trains collided head-on; one of the carriages involved in the incident was later preserved.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mazurek |first=Marek |date=January 5, 2020 |title=Train car restoration sheds light on history of South Shore Railroad |url=https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2020/01/05/ain-car-restoration-sheds-light-on-history-of-south-shore-railroad/43900691/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=South Bend Tribune}}</ref>

A collision near Gary in April 1926 caused the death of one passenger.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 18, 1926 |title=Failure of Signal Cause of Wreck, Coroner Says |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-huntington-press-failure-of-signal-c/164791687/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |work=The Huntington Press |pages=1 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

66 years later, another collision near Gary occurred on January 18, 1993, where a westbound train and an eastbound train collided head-on on a gauntlet track, killing seven people;<ref>{{cite web |last=Tribune |first=Chicago |date=January 18, 1993 |title=7 Killed, 40 Injured in Gary Rail Crash |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1993/01/18/7-killed-40-injured-in-gary-rail-crash/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> the National Transportation Safety Board determined that one train's engineer passed a red light, while the engineer of the other train had failed to stop in time.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 5, 2025 |title=Crash on the South Shore. Final report confirms crash was |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/uncategorized/crash-on-the-south-shore-final-report-confirms-crash-was/article_f9a61443-f2dd-5dbb-9d18-bf45edc10102.html |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=nwitimes.com}}</ref>

Three passengers died on June 18, 1998, when a train ran into a truck that was trapped on the tracks near a Midwest Steel factory.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 19, 1998 |title=Train Slams Into Truck in Indiana, Killing 3 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/19/us/train-slams-into-truck-in-indiana-killing-3.html |access-date=February 6, 2025 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Rubin |first=Bonnie Miller |date=June 18, 1998 |title=3 Die as South Shore Slams Into Trailer Rig |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/06/18/3-die-as-south-shore-slams-into-trailer-rig/ |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>

On June 10, 2024, a westbound train collided with a stalled dump truck at a level crossing near Gary. Two passengers on board the train were injured and transported to a hospital by ambulance.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dodge |first1=John |title=South Shore trains halted after train collides with dump truck - CBS Chicago |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/south-shore-traincollides-with-dump-truck/ |website=CBS News |access-date=29 March 2026 |date=10 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Zorn |first1=Tim |title=Two injured when South Shore train hits stalled truck |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/06/10/two-injured-when-south-shore-train-hits-stalled-truck/ |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=29 March 2026 |date=10 June 2024}}</ref>

== Notes == {{reflist|2}}

== References == {{cleanup section|reason=excessive "Harv" errors/warnings|date=May 2026}} * {{cite book |last=CERA |title=Electric Railways of Indiana |date=1960 |publisher=Central Electric Railfans' Association |location=Chicago, IL |page=I-20 }} * {{cite book |last=Middleton |first=William D. |author-link=William D. Middleton |title=South Shore: The Last Interurban |year=1970 |publisher=Golden West Books |location=San Marino, CA |oclc=104029 |isbn=978-0-87095-003-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RA87AAAAMAAJ}} * {{cite book |last=Middleton |first=William D. |author-link=William D. Middleton |title=South Shore: The Last Interurban : Revised Second Edition (Railroads Past and Present) |year=1999 |edition=2nd |publisher=Indiana University Press |isbn=978-0-253-33533-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yohiQgAACAAJ}} * {{cite book |last=Middleton |first=William D. |editor1-last=Cohen |editor1-first=Ronald D. |editor2-last=McShane |editor2-first=Stephen G. |title=Moonlight in Duneland: The Illustrated Story of the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |publisher=Indiana University Press |date=1998 |chapter=Insull's Super-Interurban |isbn=0-253-33418-7 |oclc=38862554 }} * {{Ogorek-South Shore}} * {{cite web |last=SouthShore.Railfan.net |title=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad (NICTD) |url=http://southshore.railfan.net/ss-hist.html |website=southshore.railfan.net }} * {{cite journal |first=Matt |last=Van Hattem |title=South Shore Line – The commuter railroad linking Chicago and South Bend, Ind. |url=http://trn.trains.com/railroads/2006/07/south-shore-line |journal=Trains |date=July 5, 2006}} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=September 26, 1937 |publisher=Poole Bros. Inc. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=June 20, 1941 |publisher=Poole Bros. Inc. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=October 15, 1942 |publisher=Poole Bros. Inc. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=September 7, 1943 |publisher=Poole Bros. Inc. }} * Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad (September 26, 1948). ''Time Tables.'' Poole Bros. Inc. * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=April 29, 1956 |publisher=Poole Bros. Inc. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=February 12, 1957 |publisher=Poole Bros. Inc. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=April 26, 1959 |publisher=Poole Bros. Inc. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=April 30, 1961 |publisher=Poole Bros. Inc. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=March 15, 1963 |publisher=Poole Bros. Inc. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=February 2, 1964 |publisher=Poole Bros. Inc. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=April 25, 1965 |publisher=Poole Bros. Inc. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=October 30, 1966 |publisher=Poole Printing Co. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=October 27, 1968 |publisher=Rand McNally & Co. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Tables |date=July 7, 1970 |publisher=Rand McNally & Co. }} * {{cite book |last=Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad |title=Time Table |date=December 1, 1985 }} * {{cite book |last=Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District |title=Timetable |date=February 24, 2009 |publisher= }} * {{cite book |last=Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District |title=Timetable |date=February 1, 2013 }}

== External links == {{Attached KML |display=title,inline}} {{Commons category}} *{{Official website}} *[http://www.jtbell.net/transit/Chicago/SouthShore/ Chicago, Illinois / South Bend, Indiana: The South Shore Line] * [http://www.hammondindiana.com/November2003news.pdf Hammond, Indiana News Briefs] November 2003 * [https://web.archive.org/web/20080323102020/http://www.nictd.com/links/ourhistory.htm Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District – Our History]

{{South Shore Line navbox|state=expanded}} {{Public Transportation in Northern Indiana}} {{Chicago Rail}} {{Metra|state=collapsed}} {{USCommRail}} {{Illinois public transit}} {{Indiana public transit}} {{Illinois railroads}}

Category:South Shore Line Category:Electric railways in Illinois Category:Electric railways in Indiana Category:Interurban railways in Illinois Category:Interurban railways in Indiana Category:Passenger rail transportation in Illinois Category:Passenger rail transportation in Indiana Category:Railway lines in Chicago Category:Railway services introduced in 1903 Category:Standard-gauge railways in the United States Category:Transportation in Gary, Indiana Category:Transportation in LaPorte County, Indiana Category:Transportation in Porter County, Indiana Category:Transportation in South Bend, Indiana Category:Commuter rail in the United States Category:1500 V DC railway electrification Category:Airport rail links in the United States