Commuting to Downtown Chicago (Gary, East Chicago: home, university, calculated)

[Nikko12]

I was just offered a job downtown, and I am wondering who all commutes to Chicago for work. I most likely will take the South Shore, but I have heard it is pretty unreliable. The company I am working for already expressed concern with me commuting from Indiana so I can't be late. I am wondering how most people commute downtown. It seems driving in costs ALOT for parking everyday, so the train would be the best option money wise.

I live in Crown Point, so the closest station to me is the Gary-Miller stop. Is this station safe? I would be working 9-5, so when I get home from Nov-Mar it will be dark. How is the parking situation there?

Thanks in advance

[baileyvpotter]

Yes, there have been times when train service has been interrupted or down (sometimes they offer
a bus service). Maybe someone who has used the Miller stop can tell you about your concerns.
If there is no rail service and during bad weather (snow) you need to take extra time for traveling
by car. I would also suggest an IPASS to save time if going through the tollway and Skyway.
You might want to post on the Chicago forum about more affordable parking lots in the city.


South Shore Westbound Train Service, Monday-Friday | Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District

[Chuckity]

Originally Posted by Nikko12

I was just offered a job downtown, and I am wondering who all commutes to Chicago for work. I most likely will take the South Shore, but I have heard it is pretty unreliable. The company I am working for already expressed concern with me commuting from Indiana so I can't be late. I am wondering how most people commute downtown. It seems driving in costs ALOT for parking everyday, so the train would be the best option money wise.

I live in Crown Point, so the closest station to me is the Gary-Miller stop. Is this station safe? I would be working 9-5, so when I get home from Nov-Mar it will be dark. How is the parking situation there?

Thanks in advance

Where exactly in Crown Point are you that the Miller stop is closest? That station has to involve a certain amount of back-tracking for you drive-wise. I think you'd be much smarter to go to the East Chgo Station.

[Nikko12]

Originally Posted by Chuckity

Where exactly in Crown Point are you that the Miller stop is closest? That station has to involve a certain amount of back-tracking for you drive-wise. I think you'd be much smarter to go to the East Chgo Station.

I live right by the 109th st exit off I-65. When I mapped it out the Miller station was the closest.

[Nikko12]

Originally Posted by baileyvpotter

Yes, there have been times when train service has been interrupted or down (sometimes they offer
a bus service). Maybe someone who has used the Miller stop can tell you about your concerns.
If there is no rail service and during bad weather (snow) you need to take extra time for traveling
by car. I would also suggest an IPASS to save time if going through the tollway and Skyway.
You might want to post on the Chicago forum about more affordable parking lots in the city.


South Shore Westbound Train Service, Monday-Friday | Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District

Thanks, I will post there about lots. Personally, I would rather drive in but it is not cost effective from what I calculated. I do have an EZ Pass, so if I have to I will take the toll road/skyway

[Northwest Indiana]

Originally Posted by Nikko12

I was just offered a job downtown, and I am wondering who all commutes to Chicago for work. I most likely will take the South Shore, but I have heard it is pretty unreliable. The company I am working for already expressed concern with me commuting from Indiana so I can't be late. I am wondering how most people commute downtown. It seems driving in costs ALOT for parking everyday, so the train would be the best option money wise.

I live in Crown Point, so the closest station to me is the Gary-Miller stop. Is this station safe? I would be working 9-5, so when I get home from Nov-Mar it will be dark. How is the parking situation there?

Thanks in advance

Most people who work in the downtown area probably commute by train. In the suburban areas, you will find more south shore riders in Munster, Highland, Dyer, and Schererville than you would in Crown Point and points south and southeast of there. I'm sure there are many Merrillville residents (mostly in the northern end of town) that utilize the Gary Metro stop.

The Gary Metro NICTD stop may be a tad bit closer (and more "on the way") and it is a busier stop. With your work schedule, there will be a lot of other commuters with you which is good as working odd hours would be more concerning.

[Nikko12]

Thanks for the info! Back in 2000, I worked downtown and lived in Dyer, and I used the Hegewisch stop and it wasn't too bad. As long as I don't have to worry about my car getting broken into, and since at night I will be getting back at dark safety is a concern.

[domergurl]

here's an off the wall option … it will take about 10 minutes longer to get to the Metra stop in University Park … it may be a safer option.

It's a shame that your employer has an attitude about where you live.

[Nikko12]

I checked out the Metra Electric and I don't think that will work for me. Cost wise it would be more and I would not save any time.

I did check into East Chicago, and that does look like a better option. It's a little farther away but not by much, and the rates are cheaper. I think that is the way I will probably go for now

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

[Mads912]

Hi Nikko - I just moved to Schererville a year ago from Chicago. I commute to downtown Chicago 4 days a week. I typically drive and have found that there are many parking garages with reasonable monthly rates or good "early bird" rates if you arrive and park before 9. I sometimes take the southshore train however, it is very slow and cold in the winter. I'd much rather spend a bit more and be in the warmth of my car. I've also found that it doesn't usually save me any time and many times would take longer than if I drove. I have take the metra from University park and its very nice but the drive home does add on a bit more time once you get off the train.

I also am sorry to hear about the close mindedness of your employer. Having lived in the city and now here in Northwest Indiana, I can say that sometimes getting to work from the Northside of Chicago took almost as long as it does coming from Chicago. Additionally, Northwest Indiana is just as close if not closer than many of the Western Suburbs many people commute from.

Good luck! I just suggest doing a balance between driving and taking the train and you will be just fine. Check with area garages or see if your employer offers any discounts for monthly transportation/parking.