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The Chicago, South Shore & South Bend Railroad (CSS&SB) is more commonly known as the South Shore
Line (SSL). It has been called "America's Last Interurban".
The line began as the Chicago, Lake Shore & South Bend Railroad. Service between Michigan City and
South Bend began June 30, 1908. It was later extended to Pullman, IL, where passengers transferred to the Illinois
Central suburban service to reach Chicago. Later, the CLS&SB coaches were pulled by the IC steam locos to
downtown Chicago.
In 1925 Sam Insull added the line to his empire. He changed the name to Chicago, South Shore & South
Bend Railroad a.k.a. the South Shore Line, and began to upgrade the line and equipment.
By August 1926 the IC had completed electrifying its suburban line into Chicago and the South Shore Line
was able to operate straight through to the Randolph Street terminal.
In 1942 they began increasing passenger capacity by lengthening several cars. They also added air
conditioning, and fluorescent lights, luxuries not found on most interurbans.
Although its passenger service declined like the other interurbans, the SSL had one advantage. Its access to
the steel mills around Gary made it attractive to other railroads. On January 3, 1967 the Chesapeake & Ohio
Railroad took over. However, the declining passenger business and aging equipment were still a problem, and the
C&O offered it for sale.
The new owners, operated the freight and let the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District
(NICTD) handle the passengers. This was short lived, and the line was taken over by NICTD, which now owns
the line and handles the passenger operation. The freight business is operated separately by another company.
Although the passenger business is now more commuter, and operates with newer equipment, it still retains
much of its interurban flavor, especially street running in Michigan City and the single track line through rural
Indiana countryside.
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A two-car train of the old lengthened cars on a charter
trip waits in the siding 1970's.
While most present day commuters enjoy the quiet
air-conditioned cars, most fans would prefer to ride
the old cars.
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A four-car train of newer equipment races
through the Indiana countryside.
This single-track portion, and street running in
Michigan City truly reminds you of the South
Shore Line's interurban heritage.
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