Nicole Barker

The South Shore Line plans to introduce cartoon animals and an activity passport to its marketing efforts, to try to get families with young kids to take the train to Chicago.

Beyoncé could not compare with Taylor Swift, when it comes to boosting South Shore Line ridership. That's according to a report given to the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) board Monday. The railroad estimates almost 1,200 passengers rode to Swift's concerts at Soldier Field.

The South Shore Line's Bikes on Trains program will return in a somewhat limited form this weekend.

Residents new to Northwest Indiana could soon get a free train ticket back to Illinois.

South Shore Line officials hope holiday gift-giving will help boost ticket sales. Nicole Barker with the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) says the railroad's latest marketing push encourages people to give 25-ride tickets as stocking stuffers.