SOUTH BEND, Ind. - This holiday season, kids can ride the train for free from December 26 through January 5 on all lines, at all times. 

With its Kids Ride Free program, the South Shore Line offers the gift of travel, allowing for families to explore with their kids with the fun of taking the train. 

This includes weekends, holidays, off-peak or rush-hour weekday trains. 

Nicole Barker, the South Shore Line's Director of Capital Investment & Implementation, hopes this opportunity will allow more families to enjoy holiday activities throughout the South Shore Line and to Chicago. 

“It’s important to us that we let our riders know how much we appreciate their loyal ridership throughout the year, and we wanted to do this at a time of year when more families and friends will be together," she said in a press release. 

This program is for kids ages 3 to 13 with parents or guardians present. 

Due to the Double Track Project, passengers will need continue to use buses between Gary and Dune Park stations. 

The South Shore Line Double Track service is anticipated to start in 2024.