BY INTERURBAN TO THE AIRPORT

The South Shore Line, Insull's "last interurban," has survived many crises during its eighty years. With an improved financial situation and a virtually new fleet, the electric line prepares for the next century by forging an alliance with air travel. Interurban trains from Hammond, East Chicago, Gary, Michigan City, and New Carlisle will deposit their passengers at Michiana Regional Airport in South Bend. The route will follow a mostly unused street alignment, avoiding busy intersections. In addition to rerouting trains, a new shuttle service has been proposed from Dune Park to Michiana Regional, which may establish the airport as a viable alternative to O'Hare, while ensuring the continued existence and usefulness of the rail system.