William Hazen

It was some map subreddit I was scrolling through. Did not expect it to get this much attention 🥴

He did discuss the changes in patterns since COVID, and talked about the plans for bidirectional signals/improved capacity on Metra to increase the agency’s flexibility to run other off peak services. Also noted the plans to increase reverse direction shuttles on Monon, Airport branches.

I can’t imagine G&W would love SSL putting catenary up over their freight line, but they likely would love that check for trackage rights.

To be clear, I don’t think he sees that as the long term solution, especially if you want to run further down the CFE. I think he sees it as the cheapest way to start service while avoiding buying the railroad all the way to Fort Wayne when you’re only going to run between Valpo and Gary to start

Some map subreddit- I believe another commenter has left a link to the most updated version below the skeet. I didn’t expect this to blow up as much as it did, although I guess you should always expect maps to be contentious!

Thanks for pulling this! I went searching for it last night but don’t even remember what map subreddit I initially saw it in!

I ask if the SSL would pursue a purchase of the CFE to Valpo, he says the agency would prefer to operate under trackage rights with battery-electric trains- calls the Lakeshore Corridor a ‘90 mile long charging station’ to recharge those trains. 6/6

Make No Little Plans slide Mike Noland

Finally, Noland took questions, and suggested that for improved service to Indianapolis, advocates needed to illustrate the RoI to the state government above all else. He says before we see better train service in the US, we need to nationalize the railroads. 5/6

Future Plans slide

Noland highlights potential future goals for the next 20 year plan, including service to LaPorte, Lowell, Valpo, reaching Downtown South Bend, New Stations at Gary, New Carlisle, and bi-directional signaling on Metra, expected to shave a further 5-7 minutes off of trip times from Indiana. 4/6

2014 Strategic Plan Goals

Noland brings up the 2014 Strategic Plan, completed the year he joined the railroad. He notes the railroad is on track to finish most of the goals outlined in the plan next year, 8 years ahead of schedule. This has led the railroad to start a new strategic plan, which should be released EoY. 3/6

Bikes on Trains slide

Mr. Noland highlighted the growing bikes on trains ridership, highlighting the 1,700 bikes that boarded in August 2025, more than in the first two years of the program. He noted he sees bikes, not cars, as the future of last mile connections to the railroad. 2/6

The title slide for the presentation. Mike Noland sits in a front row seat before speaking

As mentioned last night, I got to hear Mike Noland, president of the South Shore Line, speak last night at the Indiana Historical Society.

Here’s some of the highlights 🧵 1/6

None, he actually listened. I’ll buy him a beer at Moser’s when New Carlisle opens. Rare place that has austrian beer on tap in Indiana.

You listened to Jim Brainard, I listened to Mike Noland, we are not the same.

South Shore Line President Mike Noland speaks in front of a slide that says “Make No Little Plans” -Daniel Burnham

Got to hear the incredible Mike Noland speak tonight- I’ll have more on his talk tomorrow, but I’ll leave you with this for tonight.

me praying in the alley behind the Marriott in downtown where Mark Sanchez got stabbed after attacking a truck driver

held a vigil for all former NY Jets quarterbacks today

ah yes, Chicago, Indiana

Indiana Territory 1800

that would make it all Ohio- just remember it’s all Indiana 😉

Cultural Regions of the US

This is the most accurate depiction of the Midwest to date. Wichita has always felt like the last Midwest city while also being the first plains city.

Should read routes 8, 24, 90, and 92.

The bus information is mostly incorrect. One of those routes doesn’t exist and the other doesn’t go by the statehouse.

Beau Bayh has launched his campaign for Indiana Secretary of State

It has to be asked, why not governor?

I get he’s trying to ‘follow in his dad’s footsteps’ or whatever but cmon

Not helpful that the president lives at 75th and Graham and not in the neighborhood. Also not helpful I can find no information on neighborhood meetings or any contact information beyond a link to her facebook page 🫠

All this to say, I think it should be renamed to East Park, which pays homage to the longstanding Methodist congregation in the neighborhood, and better describes its location: East of Willard Park. Neighborhood names aren’t set in stone: before 2010, my neighborhood was called ‘TEAR United’.

Draft logo for East Park, paying homage to the stained glass window of the East Park ME Church.

I’ve been thinking about my neighborhood, which was dubbed ‘Westminster/ St Philip Neri’ in 2010. Its namesake originates from two churches ‘Westminster’ which was located in the Willard Park neighborhoods, and St. Philip Neri, located in St. Clair Place.

Indiana deserves safe streets and leadership with the courage to deliver it 💪🏼🇺🇸

Michah Beckwith says Vision Zero now! 💪🏼 🇺🇸

If you see this in Indianapolis along our Rapid Routes: we do it for the same reason Seattle does! Paving our bus lanes and platform areas with concrete helps ensure their durability in the long term and absorbs the load of the big buses better!

Before: Mark Sanchez, Ex-N.F.L. Quarterback, Is Injured in Stabbing in Indianapolis After: Mark Sanchez, Ex-N.F.L. Quarterback, Is Charged in Stabbing in Indianapolis

Change in Headline

Vision for the Prison Sign on East New York

Near Eastsiders place dots on their desired land uses, amenities, etc

View through a broken window onto stairs that read ‘Disrespect to Others, Irresponsible, Intolerant, Dishonest’

Kids play basketball under a large shade tree at the Indiana Women’s Prison

Near Eastsiders came out in force on this scorching Saturday to share their vision for the reuse of the former Indiana Women’s Prison, calling for dense, mixed use development, and respect for the history of the property and the women interred there.

Render of East Street Flats

It appears SEND CDC is gearing up for a new affordable housing project at East and Orange. Dubbed ‘East Street Flats’ the project is expected to include townhomes, apartments, and a retail space along this burgeoning corridor.