A new report shows Chicago commuters can save money taking the South Shore compared to driving their car to work.
The cost analysis by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District showed commuters can save up to 86 percent monthly in total costs. The study compared train fares with the cost of driving, parking, gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance and depreciation.
"Not only are commuters saving on their transportation costs versus driving, they're greatly reducing the wear-and-tear on their automobiles every month and can enjoy a much more relaxing commute than fighting rush hour traffic," said NICTD marketing director John Parsons.
The study was unveiled in the middle of the South Shore's busy season with Taste of Chicago this weekend at Grant Park. The railroad is adding extra eastbound trains Saturday and Sunday for anticipated crowds.
Parsons said the railroad carried about 15,000 passengers on Thursday, the first day of Taste.
He's hoping to see passengers taking the train to come to Gary this weekend for the Gary Air Show at Marquette Park in Miller. Passengers can get off the train at Miller Station and walk to Dunes Bowl where a shuttle will take them to the park.
The analysis reviewed monthly train costs originating from its South Bend, Michigan City, Dune Park, Gary and East Chicago stations to downtown Chicago versus driving from those cities. The analysis for driving is based on the Internal Revenue Service's current reimbursable mileage allowance of $0.575 per mile multiplied by 21 commuting days.
According to the analysis, the monthly train cost, plus parking for commuting from the South Bend station to downtown Chicago is $385.75 compared with monthly driving costs of $2,674 when factoring in consumables totaling $616 and tolls/parking of $500.
On a daily costs basis, taking the South Shore train is $18.37 versus $53.15 for daily driving costs, a savings of 86 percent.
For South Shore commuters boarding at the East Chicago station the savings are considerable, Parsons said. The monthly train costs plus parking from East Chicago to downtown Chicago are $178.50 compared with monthly driving costs of $1,004, a savings of 82 percent.
South Shore fares went up 9 percent to 15 percent July 1, depending on where riders board.
Parsons said the fare increase was required to balance increased operating costs and to pay for a positive train control system that all railroads must have by the end of the year to prevent crashes.