South Shore usage spikes as train riders discover convenienceby Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)
SOUTH BEND — High gas prices are one reason more people are riding the South Shore, but that's not the only reason people are hopping on the train. Local travel experts say people are looking at all their options when they travel. Multimedia Related Content
Mario Dunlap used to drive his car to Chicago twice a week for church. Now, he pays less than $22 for a round trip ticket to ride the South Shore train from South Bend. Dunlap says the South Shore is "very convenient," and he's not surprised to hear August 2008 ridership was up almost 35 percent, compared to August 2007. South Bend Regional Airport Executive Director John Schalliol told WSBT high gas prices have been a huge factor in the increased ridership. "[Riding the train] cuts out parking, cuts out tolls," he said. "All those things make it a very good experience." Many riders will tell you, high gas prices aren't the only reason they're choosing to ride the rails. "I can get some sleep on the way back [from church]," explained Mario Dunlap. "It's pretty much ease," agreed Sabrina Love, who rides the South Shore a couple times a month. "You can sit there, read a book, you can be more relaxed." As people shift from automobiles to trains, they're also taking fewer planes. The South Bend Regional Airport reported a 10 percent decrease in airplane passengers in August 2008 compared with August 2007. "The fares are going up, the number of seats are going down, we've lost some flights out of here," Schalliol said. For Signal Travel representative Kim Hickman, that news isn't surprising. She says fewer travelers are booking in advance. Many more are opting for last-minute deals. "I think people are waiting to find out what the deal is going to be with the election, the wall street incident," Hickman said. From an uncertain economy to fickle gas prices, many South Shore riders said they're sticking with at least one thing they can count on. "Sometimes [the train] is a little late, but you get there," said Sabrina Love. Schalliol said all flights coming in and out of South Bend are virtually full. Plus, there are deals available. For example, you can book a round trip flight from South Bend to Hawaii right now for about $550. Most PopularMore Good Stuff |
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