The snow fell from the gray sky as I sat in a quiet train station. While we had previously gotten a nice sample of the spring weather during the week turned into a cold morning with snow dancing through the air, the hopes of spring dashed for the weekend.
That didn't mean South Shore passengers were phased by this weather as neither the cold or snow could stop the enthusiasm of one dedicated passenger.
Jean Merkler sat waiting for the rest of her family to join her for a day trip to Chicago. Merkler, a dedicated rider of the South Shore did not let the weather dampen her spirits and instead only expressed her enthusiasm for the services and new additions the South Shore Line provides.
"I take the South Shore more on the weekend than the weekdays," says this Mental Health Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. "I'm usually with a family member when I go on these trips. I have family from Michigan who are actually meeting me here today and we're going to go to Chicago together."
Merkler enjoys the South Shore experience citing a variety of benefits and peace of mind it gave her that in her mind, no other transportation company could provide.
"It's always punctual, says Merkler. "It's on time and very easy to use. I don't have to hassle with Chicago traffic and most importantly, I don't have to pay the outrageous Chicago parking fees."
When asked about the South Shore's new ability for bikers to experience the benefits of the South Shore while enjoying one of the many bike trails in the area, Merkler expressed her happiness that now even more people who would have never previously looked to the South Shore have the option to experience its benefits.
"While bikes on trains may not specifically apply to me, it's so great that other people can now have the opportunity to ride and there's enough room for both cyclists and regular passengers on the train. Needless to say, I'm more than willing to share a car with a bicycle."
For Merkler, the South Shore Line provides the ease and peace of mind that many seem to forget are options, especially cyclists whose previous ways of using the trails were to load up a car and drive to each place. With the new options open to everyone to take that peace of mind and focus on the things that really matter, namely their trip or day off, all of Northwest Indiana can experience the same joys that Merker has.
"It's so stress-free, it's great to not worry about the traffic and it's incredible how much of a financial saving it is. It is one thing that has always treated me well."
To learn more about the South Shore Line, please visit their website.