South Shore fare hikes approved

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Updated: February 29, 2012 8:05AM

Come Feb. 15, it will cost a little more to ride South Shore trains. On Friday, the Northern Indiana Commuter Transit District hiked fares by 5 percent.

The fare increase will generate about $800,000 in revenue and offset operating losses.

A passenger boarding at Dune Park/Ogden Dunes will pay a one-way fare of $7.25 to Millennium Station, up from $6.95. Passengers boarding in Gary will pay $6, up from $5.70.

NICTD Planning and Marketing Director John Parsons said 23 people attended five public hearings on the rate increase earlier this month. There were also 46 emails and three letters. Parsons said they opposed the fare increase, if there wasn’t a concurrent improvement in service.

The rate increase coincides with a rate increase by the Metra Electric District. NICTD officials supported their increase, in part, because they worried riders who board in Hegewisch, which is in Metra’s service area, would jump to Hammond to avoid the fare increase.

The board also voted to assess half-fare rates to active military personnel in uniform. Previously, the rides were free.

Also effective Feb. 15, NICTD is discontinuing stops at the Kensington/115th Street Station. Passengers can use the 57th Street station.

The bypass should increase train speed and capacity, officials said.

Reach reporter Carole Carlson at 648-3154.