Fares on South Shore commuter rail to increase in July

CHESTERTON, Ind. (AP) – The cost of riding the South Shore commuter train in northwestern Indiana will increase by 10 to 15 percent starting in July.

The Times of Munster reports the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District board approved the increases Friday but deferred action on raising the cost for purchasing tickets on board.

The cost of riding from South Bend to Chicago will be $13, up from $11.75. The cost from Hammond to Chicago will be $6, up from $5.25. Other stations will see similar increases.

District General Manager Michael Noland says the increases will generate about $1.5 million in additional annual revenue.

The South Shore’s last fare increase was 5 percent in 2012. The board of the Chicago region’s Metra commuter rail system approved an 11 percent fare hike last November.