August 15, 2008
Recommend (1)

By James D. Wolf Jr. Post-Tribune correspondent

VALPARAISO -- Bus service to Chicago should officially start Oct. 6, with two trips to the Loop area and two trips back.

However, for those who want to begin riding the recently named Chicago Dash as soon as possible, the service will begin trial runs earlier.

"We anticipate a soft opening, like with a restaurant, the last week of September," Redevelopment Commission Executive Director Stu Summers said.

A contract with Free Enterprise Systems calls for service at a one-way fare of $7.50

Summers told the Board of Works on Thursday that tickets would need to be purchased in advance and that seats would be reserved.

Unlike a commuter train, "you can't have standing room only on the bus," Summers said.

Monthly passes won't be available, he said.

City Attorney David Hollenbeck lauded the prepurchase idea because the bus service for Fishers to Indianapolis has had trouble with people trying to board the last bus and finding they have no way home.

People would be able to purchase tickets online and print them out, purchase them from a kiosk at the Valparaiso station or, if there's room, from the bus driver by credit or debit card.

But that's not recommended, according to an e-mail Mayor Jon Costas sent out to prospective riders.

The buses will leave the Valparaiso station, at the Franklin House, at the intersection of Indiana Avenue and Campbell Street, at 5:45 a.m. and 6:15 a.m.

Each bus stops in Chicago at Congress Parkway and Wells Street with return pickups at 5 and 5:50 p.m.; LaSalle Avenue and Wacker Drive, pickups at 4:47 and 5:37 p.m.; and Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street, with a return pickup at 5:20 p.m.

The buses will have WiFi, satellite television and electric outlets available, as well as a bike rack on the front.

Also at the meeting, City Engineer David Pilz received an OK to ask the Indiana Department of Transportation to allow parking on the south side of Lincolnway.