East Chicago to Chicago in 60 seconds

Building communities along the South Shore Line

When riding the South Shore Line, one code of conduct is universal: "As long as you don't violate my space where I'm sitting, we're all going to get along. We're going to be together for the next hour and a half. We might as well make the most of it." So says Steve Eldridge, a conductor of 34 years.

For a few hours each day, about 13,000 people take the train into Chicago. With myriad interests and backgrounds, these very different people are united by their trip along the Lake Michigan shore.

Meet the commuters