Lowell's South Shore line on fast track

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BY KEITH BENMAN
kbenman@nwitimes.com
219.933.3326 | Friday, October 24, 2008 | (86 comment(s))

INDIANAPOLIS | Local transportation officials soon will seek federal funds to build the South Shore extension to Lowell and go back to the drawing board on the Valparaiso extension, officials revealed in a Thursday legislative hearing.

Because of its lower cost, the Lowell line has a chance to win federal funding whereas the Valparaiso line would be unlikely to win the same, Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District general manager Gerald Hanas told a key legislative commission.

"In the short run, we can go forward with the Lowell project," Hanas said. "The Valparaiso project will get a face-lift in the project plans."

NICTD wants to study the feasibility of running the Valparaiso extension on the former Amtrak corridor from Gary to Valparaiso, Hanas said. The previous plan was to run it on Canadian National rights of way.

Hanas and state Rep. Chet Dobis, D-Merrillville, testified Thursday before the Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy at the Indiana Statehouse. The commission is chaired by state Rep. Peggy Welch, D-Bloomington.

For now, the Lowell line has several advantages in the race for funding from the Federal Transit Administration's New Start program, Hanas said.

The cost for building the Lowell line is lower -- $551 million as compared to $673 million for the Valparaiso line. It also meets federal cost-efficiency mandates. And according to forecasts, the Lowell leg would attract almost as many riders as both branches combined.

Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas said he understood NICTD's reasoning and that he had been briefed on the situation.

"While it means we may have to wait a few years for our line, we will have a better chance of ultimately getting the whole project built," Costas said.

The total capital cost for building out both lines would be $902 million. Both lines would share five miles of new track from Hammond to Munster. The total project goes by the name of the West Lake Corridor Extension.

Projects approved for the New Starts program receive up to 50 percent funding from the federal government. For the Lowell line, that would leave about $225 million for local communities to come up with.

Hanas said the most optimistic timeline for the Lowell branch would have people riding the trains in four to five years.

In a swift five minutes of testimony, Dobis said he would again be introducing legislation in the upcoming session that would deal with the local share of funding for the South Shore extension.

But he told the commission he wanted to keep all funding options open and would reveal the preferred one only when he submits his bill.

Previous proposals for a wheel tax and for using a share of state sales tax funds have been shot down, with the latter idea stopped in its tracks in the Indiana Senate last session.

Dobis indicated after the hearing that he may again push for some form of state funding, perhaps in conjunction with legislators from central Indiana who want to build their own commuter line.

"What about a statewide answer?" he said. "If it's statewide it doesn't have to be local."

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William wrote on Jan 2, 2009 11:14 PM:

" Glad to see a lot more support on this site for the extension of the line. Finally, progress just might prevail in Northwest Indiana! Thanks for your support. "

Former Resident of Lowell wrote on Oct 31, 2008 12:13 PM:

" There are too many people residing in Lowell that refuse change.

Guess what? Eventually, it's going to come...so deal with it. "

ChicagoIndy wrote on Oct 30, 2008 11:02 AM:

" To those who blame the South Shore for the struggles of Hammond, East Chicago and Gary........Have you travelled the Metra lines that run to the West and Northwest Suburbs? Do communities such as Hinsdale, Naperville and Arlington Heights appear to be going downhill? "

To Solution wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:19 AM:

" We all already know that they don't care what we think. Minute by minute our government is taking our freedom away from us. They son't care about us at all, they are going to do what they do just to line their pockets a bit more. While we sit here paying for it, doing nothing about it. "

Chesterton wrote on Oct 30, 2008 9:12 AM:

" Just out of curiosity, how long has Chesterton had the South Shore? And Has it turned our town into nothing but "crime and garbage"? I think not.
Do you really think it is going to make Lowell any worse than it already is? I think it will be good for you and your local economy. It might even create more business and more competative bussinesses for that matter.
I am however against the Valpo rail, there is no need what-so-ever for it. If people are too lazy to drive to Chesterton (a whole whoppin 9mi away if you live on the South side of Valpo) then that's a problem. "

Back to the future wrote on Oct 29, 2008 4:48 PM:

" Time for reality: (1) how could anyone think that the South Shore trains are responsible for the current conditions of E.C., Hammond, and Gary? Political corruption, high taxes, poor schools, and lost manufacturing jobs are the result of mass transportation? Listen to yourselves. (2) Wages in Chicago are higher than in Indiana. Improving mass transportation systems will enable more high-earning workers to live here. If you cannot accept these points as reality, please move. You are not helping anyone. "

Back to the future wrote on Oct 29, 2008 4:39 PM:

Lowell wrote on Oct 29, 2008 3:55 PM:

" I've lived in Lowell for over 20years. My parents raised us there. My dad moved farther away from his original train station so that we could grow-up in a better enviornment. He went from a 15min commute to a 45minute commute to EC South Shore to reach Chicago and has now for 20years. He made the sacrifice for us and for all of you that think the train station will BOOM Lowell, i'm afraid you're wrong. You will be taking the pride many residents of Lowell have for their town and turning it into something we're ashamed of. "

Community Killer wrote on Oct 29, 2008 2:33 PM:

" It will also bring more crime and garbage to these communities. Just look at a majority of the ones which currently are along the S. Shore. Rather than take the people to the station, lets bring the station to othe people. Pointless and not necessary, except for added transpotation into the city, increasing Daley's bid for the Olympics. Don't be nieve and think he has NOTHING to do with this being "fasttracked" "

Response to To South Shore Rider wrote on Oct 29, 2008 12:09 PM:

" YOU need to read up on the proposal. They aren't expanding anything but the track and the route sideways into Indiana. NICTD can't get any additional trains from 115th into Chicago because METRA will not give them any additional windows to run trains. Now, is this really a good investment or just pissing good money away? Maybe you should read up on the real facts before you start commenting and stop drinking the NICTD Kool-Aid. "

Debbie Blissmer wrote on Oct 29, 2008 12:05 PM:

" The South Shore can't add any more cars or trains to their existing lines because we use the Metra line to get into the city. Metra sets the 8 car limit and how many trains we can run per day. They give extremely small windows of opportunity for the few trains we have. How are you going to get Metra to let more trains run into the city? Has anyone thought of that??? "

Bill wrote on Oct 29, 2008 11:52 AM:

" If the South Shore came to Lowell I would definitely prefer going there from Crown Point to catch the train to Chicago. "

To South Shore Rider wrote on Oct 29, 2008 11:41 AM:

" You need to read up on the proposal. A majority of the money (60%) is to be spent on fixing the rail interchange - which is the cause of the "red signals" as well as a bottleneck in the freight traffic. They ARE fixing the existing line! "

To Duh wrote on Oct 29, 2008 11:39 AM:

" Gas isn't being subsidized, it isn't being taxed as much as it should. The ROADS are being subsidized - they aren't being paid for by the users, they are being forced on everyone through taxes that aren't tied to our usage of the roads. It's no different that subsidizing the train. If they made the maintenance, construction, policing, cleaning, and all the other expenses the roads require paid for 100% by a gasoline tax, we'd be paying over $10 a gallon. "

We dont want your train wrote on Oct 29, 2008 9:45 AM:

" or the neighbors those trains will bring to us. That's why we moved to Lowell. "

Polls tell the policy makers NO wrote on Oct 29, 2008 9:15 AM:

" Karen Tallian took a poll to see how people felt about the South Shore Extension. 70% opposed- 30 % for. Yet she still is going forward with the plan to spend a billion of our tax dollars. The Little Cal project wasted $215 million and hasn't been finished. We shouldn't spend another dime on giant projects until that money is accounted for! "

Common Sense wrote on Oct 29, 2008 9:11 AM:

" Closest Nuclear plant is between New Buffalo and St. Joe on the lake front in Michigan. You see, in Indiana, the people live in the past and elect officials who also do. "

Insanity wrote on Oct 29, 2008 8:02 AM:

" Doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.

The South Shore is hardly running now. So why not throw more money at it? Right? "

Duh wrote on Oct 29, 2008 7:18 AM:

" I never said I had an issue with clean coal tech, nuke or natural gas. I am all for it! Unfortunately that is not what is used for generatiing power in NW Indiana.

Where is the nearest nuke plant? Where is the nearest NG fired full scale power plant (not a peak generating or co-gen station)? "

Common Sense wrote on Oct 28, 2008 3:42 PM:

" To Duh, clean coal burns much cleaner than gasoine as does nuclear and natural gas... DUHHHHHHHH!!!! "

Duh wrote on Oct 28, 2008 3:15 PM:

" Gas is being subsidized?????

The highway Trust Fund is a gas tax to be used for highway construction & improvements. Federal Gas Tax is just over $0.18/gallon + State taxes which average $0.28 per gallon. These tax funds are supposed to be used for highway construction/maintenance and infrastructure, but ends up being used for other things and shifted to the General Fund as "needed".

A little information and education goes a long way. It's easy to spout without knowledge. "

South Shore Rider wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:54 PM:

" The South Shore ISN'T the answer! This morning we were 1/2 hour late because they couldn't deal with "red" signals! Try improving SERVICE before EXPANSION! It's not even winter yet and we have had more delays than I can count on both hands and feet in the last month! Since I get on in Hegewisch, and pay train fare like everyone else, we have to deal with the RUDE Indiana people who think they are entitled to sleep across all the seats and the conductors say NOTHING! If there was something comparable (fare-wise) to the South Shore - I'd take it in a minute but unfortunately we are stuck. WHY EXPAND? "

To Duh wrote on Oct 28, 2008 2:04 PM:

" If it were not for the subsidies on roads, we'd be paying over $10 a gallon for gas. Mass transit would be profitable if driving wasn't being subsidized. "

Where wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:29 PM:

" Exactly where are they thinking of locating this in Lowell. Do they have a sight they are looking at or is this all still up in the air. "

Sticksville wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:24 PM:

" Do you think they care what the people think or want? There is just too much Money to be pilfered to let the little things or People get in the way. Ya let's all go to Lowell it is such a happening place, You can have it! The only thing that is going to be happening is crime will have an easy route to the sticks,GOOD! Mabye it will take the heat off of this area.If they moved out there let them worry about getting wherever they have to go without us flipping the bill. Just more of the same politics of catering to the wealthy few at the expense of the working poor many! "

SOLUTION wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:09 PM:

" Has anyone ever read a survey stating how many people who live in the Lowell area work in Chicago? Would there be enough daily riders to make the train worthwhile? Public transportation never makes money. It is good for only spending it. Put the project on the ballot and let the people vote. If taxpayers have to pay for it, then they should have a say. Is that too hard for a politician to understand? They afraid to let the people decide? "

More Duh wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Uh - The electricity that powers the train is generated via fossil fuel burning power plants.

Go Nuke. "

Duh wrote on Oct 28, 2008 11:55 AM:

" If it were not for government subsidies, public transportation would be out of business, as it is not self-sustaining. "

Common Sense wrote on Oct 28, 2008 10:31 AM:

" Kevin, believe me you are speaking to deaf ears. It's not that they don't get it, it's that they can't get it. "

Lowell Bussiness person wrote on Oct 28, 2008 9:44 AM:

" Public transportation is not for everyone because it is not readily available to everyone.....like those in Lowell. Why is everyone so resistant to change? And taxes are going to go up either way, if not for this they will find something else to spend it on so why even talk about it. We pay taxes we will always pay taxes, get over it! "

Kevin Crawford wrote on Oct 28, 2008 9:43 AM:

" Two questions for all opposed:

1. With declining oil production in the majority of countries all over the world, how much longer do you expect our extreme car dependency to continue? Not one of you seems to get it... we will not be able to continue using oil at the pace we have been much longer. And since almost everyone drives almost everywhere, and essentially all of those cars run on oil, that means we are in big trouble. What's so hard to understand? We need alternate forms of transportation, and they should be more sustainable and running on domestic energy. Not more cars.

2. Why is there no whining done about the much more massive money we sink into roads? If its for roads, its fine, even if it costs more. But somehow if the money goes for trains, it's "socialism". Please explain this to me but I'm not getting it.

And for the many of you finding it hard to get a better job than being a greeter at Wal*Mart... don't you see the opportunity for new jobs here? "

re Consultant wrote on Oct 28, 2008 9:26 AM:

" Not everyone works in Chicago! Wise up! Public transport is not an option for most people. "

Consultant wrote on Oct 28, 2008 9:19 AM:

" I work in Chicago, I live in NWI, I have a great job and I love where I live. Why not continue with public transit. All you folks are stuck driving your cars all the time. You wonder why gas is $3 a gallon. Because you all drive to work. Maybe if you got out of your car and used public transit it would work for the greater good. "

Hey Crackpot wrote on Oct 28, 2008 7:48 AM:

" Who uses boondoggle anymore?? Don't date yourself so much grandpa. No worries, this train is ELECTRIC, not coal fired.
You must like my greenhouse gas...CS "

to CP Resident wrote on Oct 27, 2008 4:53 PM:

" "Just like Ray Hobbs...if you build it they will come."

Roy Hobbs was from The Natural, Ray Kinsella is the character in The Fields of Dreams.

Maybe on the train ride you can brush up on your movies. "

Yea wrote on Oct 27, 2008 1:59 PM:

" Yea progress!!! Finally, some movement forward on something that should've been done over 10 years ago.. "

Beware Whiners wrote on Oct 27, 2008 11:26 AM:

" An to all those who say "if you want a job in Chicago, move there" - be careful what you ask for - those people are making 3 times what you are, their tax dollars are paying for YOUR socialist programs! When they leave, you'll see your taxes going up quite a bit. Just remember what side your bread is buttered on! "

Eddy M wrote on Oct 27, 2008 11:20 AM:

" This would also allow the engineers and accountants working in Chicago the opportunity to work on the train during their commute, instead of spending an hour stuck in traffic. Think of all the money we'll save when we don't have to subsidize the car traffic any more (well, not as much anyway). Less billions spent on building, policing, maintaining, re-paving, etc. The air quality improvement is only a footnote benefit! "

Lowell Resident wrote on Oct 27, 2008 8:01 AM:

" I have relatives in Chicago. If I could ride a train I would visit them more often. "

old Crackpot wrote on Oct 27, 2008 6:12 AM:

" Protest this boondoggle....no vote for Dobis or anyone else that supports this. E-mail or cal him or others also. Let your Precinct Comitteeperson take the message to the people. My gosh, the turnips are dry...no more money, no more blood. "

Oh its all about JOBS wrote on Oct 26, 2008 7:38 PM:

" BULL-loney .... Indiana dosent have enough skilled people to work the present jobs here so contractors have to export them from Illinois. So there goes that excuse. "

Voter wrote on Oct 26, 2008 10:56 AM:

" Before the Valpo train to Chicago folded up taxpayers were subsidizing each rider $127/wk. I wonder what is in this for Dobis. He wants to get this passed before he is voted out of office. "

John Jage wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:57 PM:

" The Times should check their old papers around the late 60's. The big headline exclaimed that the rail line to Lowell would be built in two years. I wonder what has been spent since then on consultants and surveys. "

rr wrote on Oct 25, 2008 12:19 PM:

" why do we need a train to run to lowell? So the 10 people from lowell who work in Chicago can ride the train. Why not just add another track on the CSX line that Amtrak operates!! Remember the Amtrak that ran through Valpo oh thats right that failed. We will all pay for this. you want to work in Chicago so bad move closer!!!1 "

BUILD IT wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:37 PM:

" I want this to happen! I am waiting for this to happen - big boom in Lowell!!!! :)

Yeah! "

OMG wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:28 PM:

" Think first people! CP resident says it will be a "safer place to park"...are you living in a bubble? It will not be safer...not after like Mike says "they'll move south" and they will...be very careful what you ask for...I was so happy to have a train near home in Riverdale way back when...boy was I sorry later...had to move...and it had nothing to do w/traffic, gas, the economy, etc...it had everything to do w/quality of life...which went right down the drain! Think first...think really hard...you'll get it eventually! "

Paul Wrath in Dyer wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:24 PM:

" mike z I've been taking the south shore for 19 years, and my commute is 1 1/2 hours each way when the train is running on time, 25% of the time the south shore is very late, adding 1/2 hour one way.

It's very concievable that the trip from Chicago to Lowell could be 2 hours or more each way. The south shore is currently the laughing stock of public transportation in the Chicago offices.

This is a money grab by the pols and unions, the hard working tax payer will wind up paying dearly for it. "

Wall Street tankswe lose 20 on our retirementswe will have to work till we die and Dobis wants to tax us on the rail extension wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:30 PM:

" God help us all..... I have nothing left to GIVE! What is wrong with our politicians? "

mark z wrote on Oct 24, 2008 6:55 PM:

" I thought this issue was DEAD. Another pork barrel project! give up the train idea...who wants to take an hour and a half train ride to jobs in Chicago? 3 hours a day you dont get paid for. Besides, Why should the majority pay for something that will benefit a few? Next thing you know the pols will want a bus route down to lowell too, with all those plastic booths to stand in. CTA in Lowell? Trains in Lowell? forget it, move 20 miles closer to existing train depots. Whats the matter? you dont like Hammond and Munster? "

SOLUTION wrote on Oct 24, 2008 4:21 PM:

" Five Hundred million dollars just to get the train on tracks. How are you going to keep paying for the upkeep? Public transportation has never made a profit. It is a dark hole to just keep dumping money into year after year. Just so the developers can build more housing in South Lake County. That is all that is behind this. If the train project comes to life, I hope all of you get good jobs in Chicago. You will need them to pay the high taxes for the train. "

JUST READ THIS about the old Amtrak Valpo to Chicago service wrote on Oct 24, 2008 4:08 PM:

" Heres the reason why the Amtrak Valpo to Chicago service was ended. Around 1991, H.R. 5660 was introduced to require Amtrak to continue operations to allow time for the State of Indiana to consider SUBSIDIZING the route since Amtrak wanted to stop operations. Well, guess what folks, Our great leaders deciced NOT TO PAY the required $1.5 MILLION a year to keep it running and the train service made it's last run on May 3rd, 1991. So here we go AGAIN!! Subsidy = TAXES, TAXES & TAXES. "

re Socialist Sam wrote on Oct 24, 2008 4:01 PM:

" No I won't like it & I am not gonna! Ha Ha Ha!!!!!!!!!!!! "

DEMOCRATS taxing us to death-Better to vote for McCain wrote on Oct 24, 2008 3:59 PM:

" Look at all these politicians who want this train. They are ALL DEMOCRATS! Just THINK of whats going to happen if Obama wins and the democrats have control of everything! Just wait and see! "

Details wrote on Oct 24, 2008 3:53 PM:

" How about providing the details to the plan so that citizens know what they are trying to do. I have asked dozens of people in several different ways ... where will stops be at? What is the plan on hours of trains running? The plan only works if it benefits people. if the train stops running before you finish your classes downtown ... THEN YOU WON'T TAKE IT. If Chicago can't get CTA figured out so people can make connections to get to their end location, THEY WON'T TAKE IT. If it takes longer to get to where you need to go because of connecting trains with little cost benefit, PEOPLE WON'T TAKE IT. Give me some details so that I know you have fully thought this through and it makes sense. I won't support a program that is this vague. "

Run the train already wrote on Oct 24, 2008 3:47 PM:

" From Gary, through Crown Point, Cedar Lake and then Lowell. That way all the steelworkers could just take a train to work and back. Why should a $100,000 steelworker sit in traffic? "

Socialist Sam wrote on Oct 24, 2008 1:47 PM:

" You'll pay for the train and like it! HA HA HA! "

well wrote on Oct 24, 2008 1:39 PM:

" Taxpayers paying for children programming is more beneficial than a stupid train. Face it you're money is wasted it SHOULD be for the future of our country! And wow people can take the train to a crappy factory job. I still dont see why others getting to work or to Chicago should be at the taxpayers expense. If you want the train go where it exists and use it dont encourage higher taxes that's just ignorant. "

CP Resident wrote on Oct 24, 2008 1:34 PM:

" I would like the south shore to go to Lowell. A safer place to park my car when I want to go to Chicago.
It will give Lowell a big boost in residency. Just like Ray Hobbs...if you build it they will come. (but like Mike mentioned...people will move there from the north.) "

Dave wrote on Oct 24, 2008 1:10 PM:

" First they said it was 1 billion dollars and now the total is 1.2 billion dollars.....by the time they build this waste of money it will be 3 billion or more!!!! Quit the waste and stop this stupid project!!! "

Ken wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:30 PM:

" This country was built on the rails and will die by the car. Projects like this are necessary to improve the transportation infrastructure. The same people who say no this are probably not happy about the new school or when they did away with gravel roads!

How many people in this rural area are unable to find jobs because there are simply not enough jobs in the surrounding area. This is an opportunity for kids who live in Lowell to attend universities and trade schools in Chicago without having to spend tens of thousands of dollars in Transportation. Later in life these same kids may be able to find jobs in the city and still live in Lowell near their families.

If the train comes in those who live in Lowell will see property values rise.

I bet there are no business owners who say no to this, the ones who don't want the train have probably never left Lowell or possibly their front porch because it’s a scary world.

I can’t wait for the train to get here! "

NO WAY wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:28 PM:

" Sorry we don't want to pay for a train, we are unemployed right now. Where be the tax be added, to wheels or food? I can't afford either increase. "

No thanks wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:10 PM:

" First they want to jam a major highway through the Lowell area and now provide train service to benefit a few people. Did anyone read the part of the article that stated local communities will have to come up with $225 million? Where are the local communities going to get this money? This will mean yet another tax increase for all of Lake County to fund this project. Put this to a vote and I guarentee it fails. "

I see the future too wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:07 PM:

" I see Dobis standing in a soup line when we boot his sorry behind from office. "

No votes for Dobis or Visklosky wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Both these tax and spend morons should begin their search for alternative employment. They will not be getting my vote ever again. "

mike wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:03 PM:

" The proposed train goes both ways! It also bring people south. Becareful what you ask for!!!! "

TAX PAYER wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:02 PM:

" Actually there are many factory jobs in Dyer, St. John, and Lowell within walking distance of the proposed train stops. This train, if it starts running early in both directions and doesn't just feed Chicago will allow people from north Lake County to work there. Right now they are dependent on mass transit and can't to Dyer, Lowell, and St John. "

Kevin Crawford wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:58 AM:

" To all of you who think this is a bad idea: how much longer do you think we'll be able to continue our extreme auto dependence? Look at what has happened lately in Atlanta and other areas in the South: temporary gas shortages have caused chaos. While gas may have come down in price, the amount of oil available in the ground has continued to be depleted. In toher words, this problem isn't going to get better. We need alternative transporation and we need compact, mixed-use, walkable development. Commuter trains promote both, will create sorely-needed new jobs, can be run on DOMESTIC resources (I thought America wanted energy independence?), and are more environmentally responsible. Please take the long view and consider that there is every reason to believe that we will NOT be running 200+ million cars on anything besides oil. Should we squander all of our (finite) resources in a mad quest to try to keep the cars going, or should we invest in more sustainable means of transportation? I've made up my mind. Electric trains should definitely be the near future of long distance travel. "

I See the Future wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:45 AM:

" I live in Lowell. This needs to happen as soon as possible. It is foolish to assume that everyone can live within a short distance of their jobs. There just isn't enough housing near the majority of the jobs. Commuting is a necessity and we can't continue to clog the roads with cars and burn fuel like idiots! Build it! "

ralph wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:31 AM:

" Why is it such a big deal for you Lowell people. Are you thinking someone who doesn't live in Lowell will want to get off in Lowell. What do you have to offer to them anyway? Just sit back and enjoy the ride. And to reply to WELL - parents should keep their kids off the street, why should the taxpayers pay for them. "

The Truth Hurts wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:20 AM:

" BUILD IT!!
BUILD IT NOW!!
With high fuel costs, over-loaded roadways we need this alternative means of transportation. "

Tony from the Peoples Republic of Merrillville wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:17 AM:

" Well, here we go again spending money we don't have and can't afford another Democrat tax increase. The train issue is at best a blessing for a few while the rest of us suffer the cost of paying the bill. If you work in Chicago, then live there. Don't bring your Democrat ideas and socialist ways here in Indiana. To those who believe in supporting this train: your efforts would bring better results by getting Chicago companies to leave the dictatorship of Dailey and set up their new home here in NW Indiana. Right now (that is if Dobis doesn't raise our taxes again!)Indiana cost less in operations, has good existing heavy rail service, at the hub of 3 major highways (I80/94, I65, & Rte 30), lower land costs and lower taxes. If people in Lowell and St John want rail service, then they should shoulder the entire cost of the rail service. I'm tired of those socialists who believe that their causes are more important than mine! Vote Dobis out of office before he raises our taxes again (as he's done for over 30 years!) Hail King Dobis!!! "

No New Train wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:13 AM:

" You want to ride the train then move to where its at. Its pretty simple. If you can't figure that out how do you expect to get a job in Chicago? "

Not my fault wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:42 AM:

" Not my fault many people chose to live 45 minutes from the EXISTING train stations. I choose to buy my home near the trains to make my commute easier. If you choose to live in Lowell, good for you but DO NOT expect me to subsidize your ride to work. Its not my problem, it's yours! "

crumby wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:30 AM:

" Lets get this thing moving. A few years ago, the Fed chose Gary to be the midwest hub of a high-speed rail that would connect Louisville to Chicago and tie major cities east-west. Chicago recently announced that it wants to be the new hub for midwest high-speed rail. Barry will give us change - he will change the rail hub from Gary to Chicago. Nice going, Rudy. And by the way, you get the crumbs. Smart. Real smart. "

Stephanie wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:14 AM:

" I am super excited about this!! As a college student, my best opportunties for careers after graduations are in Chicago, but with the price of gas, the travel time, and the traffic makes it not an option I am willing to take! If there were a train that was convenient for me to get to I would utilize it. I think many others would as well in turn helping out our communities by raising the standards of living in some areas!! I am still confused on why people are against this idea?!?! "

well wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:07 AM:

" If you want to use the train go to where it currently exists. You say that makes availability for jobs in Chicago there's not that many jobs there unless you have a good education which, lets face it, if you do you can afford to live in Chicago. Why not put this money to GOOD use. Like putting it into the area schools or making programs for kids. Because if you keep the kids off the streets maybe crime will go down over the next few years. But you're right we need a train in Valpo and Lowell the kids can just suffer. This is such a waste of tax dollars! "

d wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:52 AM:

" i live in lowell. i cant wait for the train! i agree, if you dont like progress, move to schneider! "

A. Commuter wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:45 AM:

" Who says residents don't want the SS extension? You have to understand one thing about Hammond and EC: they had their boom days. They are older cities, which were directly tied, for years, to the industry in NWI. That had, and has, nothing to do with the train line being there. There is a huge expansion in southern Lake and Porter counties that, in my opinion, is DIRECTLY tied to job availability in Chicago. If this area is to grow and expand, train service is needed, but not on the example given about AMTRAK from another commenter. That didn't work because of its limited schedule. If this project is to be done, it should be done right; multiple lines are absolutely imperative to give commuters the flexibility they need to make this thing profitable. Let's all face it: Lake and Porter counties are no longer the Dutch farming communities they were a hundred years ago. It's time we moved into the present day, and into the future. We have such an opportunity here, let's not blow it, and let's not keep saying NO to the inevitable. "

Over Taxed wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:36 AM:

" WHY?WHT?WHY? it will line a lot of pols pockets but not be of use to the general public.
Is the SS wants to go to Lowell let them pay for it with Bonds rather than place the burden on the tax payers. "

ralph wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:27 AM:

" You need rail to alleviate all the gas we use in our autos. Think of the economy, not of yourselves. Having a rail station in your town is not big deal. It's just a depot where people park and get on a train. "

Mitch wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:26 AM:

" Lets get this done! ...tired of letting issues like this drag on & waste time & money (like little cal water control project that let the folks in Munster down) This offers great access to world class jobs, recreational, & cultural opportunites. To all our all elected leadership I say; "LETS GET THIS DONE NOW"!!! "

This Makes Sense wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:10 AM:

" Porter County residents HAVE access to the South Shore. We just have to figure a more efficient way to get commuters to and from the stations more conveniently. South Lake County on the other hand is an entirely different case. Extending the South Shore south makes good sense. It would also create the project that fixes the Kensington Strangler which would improve service dramatically for the existing south shore line. I was against the original project, but this is a prudent investment. Same goes with the Illiana's terminus at I-65. "

Cedar Lake Res wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:01 AM:

" Embrace change. You can't live within 100 miles of one of the largest cities in the country and not expect sprawl! Get over it people! If you're worried that this will make sprawl worse, think about how many cars it will keep off 41 and 65 during rush hour! If you want back woods country living, move south of the river. "

just what lowell needs wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:33 AM:

" NOT! WAKE UP!! "

TAX PAYER wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:09 AM:

" Build it. Make sure we have two tracks, not one like is on the AMTRAK line now so trains can run both ways all the time. Run it 24 hours so blue collar workers can get back and forth to work from Chicago. "

Say no to new taxes wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:30 AM:

" Another project not wanted by the residents of the affected area.

Hammond and East Chicago already have rail service.
Do you see those area's booming? "

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