We strongly support the expansion of commuter rail in Northwest Indiana. By expanding the region’s connectivity to Chicago, we will grow jobs, opportunity and incomes for the residents of Northwest Indiana.
The Chicago metro area is the eighth-largest economy by GDP in the world and second only to New York and Los Angeles in the U.S. There are 4.5 million jobs in and around Chicago MSA, which on average pay 40% more than their Indiana counterparts. Enabling residents to take advantage of Chicago wage premiums while also benefiting from Indiana’s lower cost of living presents very desirable economic opportunities for Northwest Indiana.
U.S. Census data shows that Northwest Indiana residents do not commute into Cook County at nearly the same rates as their Illinois suburb counterparts. Approximately, 20% of Lake County residents and 6% of Porter County residents commute into Cook County. In comparison, between 29% and 40% of residents in Illinois collar counties commute into Cook County. Increasing the capacity and decreasing travel times on the NICTD rail network are vital and necessary steps in making high paying jobs in Chicago more accessible to Northwest Indiana residents.
The West Lake Corridor Project is projected to carry approximately 5,600 riders when operational. This is a 40% increase over current South Shore ridership. The commuter income generated by the West Lake Corridor would be $147.3 million annually, a 62% increase over the $237.5 million that the South Shore line commuters now bring back to Northwest Indiana.
The South Shore line with the West Lake Corridor investment will also create overall efficiencies for the region’s transportation networks. These investments will save approximately 300,000 vehicle miles traveled daily – saving time, conserving fuel, decreasing congestion and reducing environmental damage for the citizens of Northwest Indiana.
For these reasons, we urge that action be taken to expand commuter rail as soon as possible.
Updates
February 26, 2014
I really thought this might just be a niche thought I had over coffee but seeing how many people actually care about these train lines is wild. It feels like the momentum is finally shifting toward getting people to listen about these commutes and the economic potential that we have been ignoring for way too long.
Reached 100 supporters
February 26, 2014
58 Comments
I am from Griffith, and we desperately want to stay here in Northwest Indiana and raise our children in a flourishing area. Please help make this happen.
Expansion of our commuter rail system in NWI is neccessary now if our commmunity is to survive and thrive. Our economic growth and ability to compete in the marketplace depends on it. We must be bold and stick our necks out now to move forward and be progressive. The facts are clear, expansion of commuter rail in NWI is a good idea, a necessary endeavor.
Daily commuter that resorts to driving because south shore train station locations are inefficient. Takes 30 minutes to get to any station from tri town area. Plus a 50 min train ride. I would rather drive the 50 min commute than waste time getting to stations. Great opportunity to boost region economy and entice more people to move to region as now we have the opportunity to have easy aces to downtown offices.
This is good for the economy of Northwest Indiana and will encourage young families to move here with easy access to Chicago.
We need a train station in St John..... Route 41 is no longer a viable path.....too congested!
It is important for Northwest Indiana to tap into the Chicago Billion Dollar Market. Equates into jobs, economical growth, and prosperity.
Looking forward to a station in Munster Indiana
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We strongly support the expansion of commuter rail in Northwest Indiana. By expanding the region’s connectivity to Chicago, we will grow jobs, opportunity and incomes for the residents of Northwest Indiana.
The Chicago metro area is the eighth-largest economy by GDP in the world and second only to New York and Los Angeles in the U.S. There are 4.5 million jobs in and around Chicago MSA, which on average pay 40% more than their Indiana counterparts. Enabling residents to take advantage of Chicago wage premiums while also benefiting from Indiana’s lower cost of living presents very desirable economic opportunities for Northwest Indiana.
U.S. Census data shows that Northwest Indiana residents do not commute into Cook County at nearly the same rates as their Illinois suburb counterparts. Approximately, 20% of Lake County residents and 6% of Porter County residents commute into Cook County. In comparison, between 29% and 40% of residents in Illinois collar counties commute into Cook County. Increasing the capacity and decreasing travel times on the NICTD rail network are vital and necessary steps in making high paying jobs in Chicago more accessible to Northwest Indiana residents.
The West Lake Corridor Project is projected to carry approximately 5,600 riders when operational. This is a 40% increase over current South Shore ridership. The commuter income generated by the West Lake Corridor would be $147.3 million annually, a 62% increase over the $237.5 million that the South Shore line commuters now bring back to Northwest Indiana.
The South Shore line with the West Lake Corridor investment will also create overall efficiencies for the region’s transportation networks. These investments will save approximately 300,000 vehicle miles traveled daily – saving time, conserving fuel, decreasing congestion and reducing environmental damage for the citizens of Northwest Indiana.
For these reasons, we urge that action be taken to expand commuter rail as soon as possible.
Updates
February 26, 2014
I really thought this might just be a niche thought I had over coffee but seeing how many people actually care about these train lines is wild. It feels like the momentum is finally shifting toward getting people to listen about these commutes and the economic potential that we have been ignoring for way too long.
Reached 100 supporters
February 26, 2014
58 Comments
South Hammond resident who uses the train almost every day. If this comes to fruition, it will not only greatly improve my commute, I believe that the new stations will be greatly beneficially to the stability, property values, development, and desirability of Hammond, Muster, Dyer, and the surrounding areas.
I am from Griffith, and we desperately want to stay here in Northwest Indiana and raise our children in a flourishing area. Please help make this happen.
Expansion of our commuter rail system in NWI is neccessary now if our commmunity is to survive and thrive. Our economic growth and ability to compete in the marketplace depends on it. We must be bold and stick our necks out now to move forward and be progressive. The facts are clear, expansion of commuter rail in NWI is a good idea, a necessary endeavor.
Daily commuter that resorts to driving because south shore train station locations are inefficient. Takes 30 minutes to get to any station from tri town area. Plus a 50 min train ride. I would rather drive the 50 min commute than waste time getting to stations. Great opportunity to boost region economy and entice more people to move to region as now we have the opportunity to have easy aces to downtown offices.
This is good for the economy of Northwest Indiana and will encourage young families to move here with easy access to Chicago.
We need a train station in St John..... Route 41 is no longer a viable path.....too congested!
It is important for Northwest Indiana to tap into the Chicago Billion Dollar Market. Equates into jobs, economical growth, and prosperity.
Looking forward to a station in Munster Indiana
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South Hammond resident who uses the train almost every day. If this comes to fruition, it will not only greatly improve my commute, I believe that the new stations will be greatly beneficially to the stability, property values, development, and desirability of Hammond, Muster, Dyer, and the surrounding areas.