South Shore to Get New Passenger Cars

The South Shore commuter rail line in Indiana is expected to receive 26 new cars in the coming years.

The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District expects to issue a request for proposals in January 2020.

The new cars, which would be the first for the commuter rail line that operates between Chicago and South Bend, Indiana, since 2009 when the South Shore acquired 14 bi-level cars.

A contract could be offered next summer if all goes according to plan.

The new cars will increase capacity of the existing service and provide equipment for the proposed West Lake expansion that is expected to be launched in 2024.

However, some existing equipment is expected to be rebuilt for use in the West Lake service.

South Shore President Michael Noland said it will take four years for the cars to be built and enter revenue service.

The cars are expected to cost between $4 million and $5 million and be financed through the sale of bonds.

Noland said the new cars will have a higher capacity than the existing single-level cars now in use.

Tags: Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad, Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, South Shore commuter service