Posted by: southsider2k7 Apr 4 2007, 12:00 PM
http://www.michigancityin.com/articles/2007/04/04/news/n6.txt
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South Shore Railroad gets help for buying 14 new cars
By Amanda Haverstick, The News-Dispatch
The South Shore Railroad has been given a hand in its effort to acquire 14 new rail cars.
Gov. Mitch Daniels announced Tuesday that the Indiana Department of Transportation will contribute $3 million from Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funds toward the purchase of the bi-level passenger rail cars for the Northern Indiana Commuter District.
The railroad is also getting a $17.5 million grant from the Northwestern Indiana Regional Development Authority.
NICTD spokesman John Parsons said the 14 bi-level cars, manufactured by the Sumitomo Corp. of America, will cost $47.6 million.
“The RDA funding was absolutely essential as well as the CMAC money from INDOT,” Parsons said. “This is less money we have to borrow.”
The Hi-Liner EMU (electrical multiple unit) cars will be designed as married pairs, leaving cab controls at only one end of each car. Walk-over seating will enable passengers to adjust the seat back to face in either direction.
Parsons said the new cars are scheduled to be built and delivered within the next 18 to 24 months.
The South Shore, which operates passenger service between South Bend and Chicago, is currently experiencing a surge in ridership. High gasoline prices and construction along the Borman and the Dan Ryan expressways have contributed to the increase.
“Mass transit will play a large role in Indiana's future, and the South Shore's recent growth shows its potential,” said Daniels.
In 2006, South Shore ridership reached a record high and jumped to more than 4.2 million passengers in the past year.
“Last year we hit an all-time high we haven't hit since 1957,” Parsons said.
On Monday, the RDA delivered a $17.5 million grant to NICTD toward the purchase. The RDA was created by legislation the governor proposed in 2005, and much of its core funding comes from Major Moves lease proceeds.
“Now that our strategic economic development plan has been approved, the (RDA) can begin to make important investments in Northwest Indiana,” said John Clark, RDA chairman.
The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission also will dedicate local CMAQ funds to the project. CMAQ funds are used for programs designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
Contact reporter Amanda Haverstick at ahaverstick@thenewsdispatch.com.