Transit Triangle Service Between Michigan City, La Porte and PNC to Begin February 2, 2015

TransitTriLogoPurdue University North Central and the cities of Michigan City and La Porte are now more accessible and interconnected.

On February 2, 2015, the much anticipated Transit Triangle, the commuter bus service connecting Michigan City, La Porte and Purdue University North Central, will begin operations.

Michigan City Transit, the administrative grantee and lead operating agency on the project, worked in close collaboration with Purdue North Central and La Porte TransPorte, and received vital assistance from the La Porte County Board of Commissioners, the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and the La Porte County Highway Department to bring the project to completion.

The buses will operate weekdays on each of three fixed routes: between La Porte and PNC, Michigan City and PNC, and Michigan City and La Porte. Bus stops along the Transit Triangle have been selected to maximize convenience and safety for riders.

On each route, there will be three morning runs and three afternoon runs.

Michigan City to PNC at the northwest entrance of Schwarz Hall
A non-stop route with pickup and drop-off at Marquette Mall.

La Porte to PNC near Schwarz Hall
Other pickup/drop off points are at the La Porte County Courthouse (809 State Street), Dunham’s at La Porte Town Square (former Maple Lane Mall) and in Westville at the BP Station at the North junction of U.S. Highway 421 and State Road 2.

Michigan City to La Porte
Pick up/drop off points also include the Marquette Mall, Woodland Health Center (8865 W. 400 North), the Swanson Center (7224 W. 400 North) and the La Porte County Courthouse (809 State Street). The Michigan City to La Porte run will make an additional stop in the Thomas Rose Industrial Park (1540 Genesis Drive) on the first and last runs only.

Passengers will be able to travel to other sites in Michigan City and La Porte from the Transit Triangle bus stops by connecting to the Michigan City Transit and La Porte TransPorte bus systems. All buses are fully ADA-accessible, with lifts/ramps for easy boarding.

The Transit Triangle service offers reasonable fares and convenient ticket options for riders.
One-way single: $1.50 (exact change is required)
One-way single fare with MC Transit Pass or La Porte TransPorte Pass: $1.00 (exact change is required)
10-Ride pass: $12.50 (beginning in March)
Children five and under ride for free
Monthly Commuter pass: $30 (The monthly pass is based on the calendar month, and will be available in March, the first full month of service. Pass is non-transferable.)

Passengers may transfer for free between buses within the Transit Triangle route.

Starting March 1, to pay by credit card, call the Michigan City Controller’s Office at 219-873-1404 and passes will be sent via the U.S. Postal Service or they can be picked up at the Controller’s Office at Michigan City City Hall (100 East Michigan Blvd), the TransPorte Office (102 L Street) in La Porte or at the Bursar’s Office at PNC in Schwarz Hall. Non-credit card passes can be purchased in person at any one of the above locations by cash or check.

The Transit Triangle service is made possible by a federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality grant and matching contributions from the City of Michigan City (Ron Meer, Mayor), City of La Porte (Blair Milo, Mayor), La Porte County (Board of Commissioners) and Purdue University North Central (James Dworkin, Chancellor).

Mayor Meer said, “The City of Michigan City and in particular our Michigan City Transit Department is excited to be the lead agency in administering this new triangle bus service between the City of Michigan City, City of La Porte and Purdue University North Central. This new service will afford residents in La Porte County’s two largest cities the chance to reach destinations that previously were not possible. I am proud of the hard work and collaboration between the City of Michigan City, City of La Porte and Purdue University North Central, who all played a major role in making this project a reality. The goal of this new service is to enhance an individual’s ability to further broaden their educational and employment opportunities; I believe this new service will do just that. “

Mayor Milo said, “The Transit Triangle route will be a huge benefit for the residents of La Porte County and I am incredibly proud of all of those who have worked so hard to make this service a reality. The service has come to fruition due to the commitment of the partnership made up of Purdue North Central, La Porte County, Michigan City and the City of La Porte. Transit Triangle will help provide access for students, job seekers, employers and many others as we more closely connect our region and reduce carbon emissions by improving public transportation alternatives.”

La Porte County Commissioner David Decker said, “Cooperation with the cities, the county and PNC has never been better, as evidenced by a joint agreement to start up the long sought after bus service linking the cities and PNC.”

For PNC Chancellor James Dworkin, the 12 scheduled daily stops at PNC will help make it possible for residents of La Porte County to become students and to further their educational and career goals. Chancellor Dworkin said, “The development of the Transit Triangle in La Porte County is result of a focused multi-agency and governmental collaboration that will benefit everyone."

The full schedule and most current information are available on the Transit Triangle website, www.TransitTriangle.com. This website can also be accessed through the MC Transit website at www.emichigancity.com/cityhall/departments/coach/ and the La Porte TransPorte website at www.cityoflaporte.com/transporte.