Join Transport Chicago for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District's (NICTD) new Monon Corridor, hosted by NICTD representative Gary Babcoke. This tour offers a rare look at the innovative infrastructure improvements transforming South Shore Line service between Hammond and Munster/Dyer.
Tour Itinerary
Participants will meet Gary at Hammond Gateway Station at approximately 10:00 AM near the base of the ramp to the elevated platform. The group will board a dedicated tour car on Monon train 1207, travel to Munster/Dyer Station, and return to Hammond Gateway — with Gary pointing out key infrastructure highlights along the way. A station tour at Hammond Gateway is also included.
Meet at Hammond Gateway~10:00 AM
Depart Hammond Gateway (train 1207) at 10:32 AM
Arrive Munster/Dyer Station
Return to Hammond Gateway (via train 1122) ~11:28 AM
Cost: The Monon Corridor tour (trains 1207 and 1122) is provided at no charge. Participants are responsible for their own transportation and fares to and from Hammond Gateway Station.
Getting to Hammond Gateway from Chicago
The tour begins at Hammond Gateway Station, but participants traveling from Chicago can take the South Shore Line from Millennium Station. All times listed below are CST.
Plan your trip and purchase tickets at mysouthshoreline.com or download the NICTD app for schedules, fares, and real-time train tracking.
South Shore Line service from Chicago is convenient:
Depart Millennium Station on train 205 at 9:10 AM; arrive at Hammond Gateway Station at 9:44 AM
This option is recommended because it provides extra time to arrive, gather, and meet the group before the tour begins.
A later option is also available:
Depart Millenium Station on train 207 at 9:39 AM, arriving at Hammond Gateway at 10:17 AM
Please note that the later train arrives after the 10:00 AM meeting time, but still before the group boards train 1207 at 10:32 AM.
Getting Back to Chicago
Participants returning to Chicago after the tour can take one of the following trains from Hammond Gateway:
Train 122 departs Hammond Gateway at 11:42 AM and arrives at Millennium Station at 12:22 PM
Train 222 departs Hammond Gateway at 12:07 PM and arrives at Millennium Station at 12:45 PM
Driving
If you prefer to drive to Hammond Gateway (4530 Sheffield Avenue), you can park in the free main lot, with additional parking at East Chicago and Hegewisch.
What to Wear
No PPE required. Dress appropriately for the weather. No known accessibility barriers are anticipated. Please reach out to Em Hall with any questions!
Photo credit: AlphaBeta135 - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=189670168