(Chesterton, IN) - The South Shore Railroad commuter rail line will have a new person in charge.

 

David Dech is leaving as executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority to become the next president of the railroad with trains running to and from South Bend and Chicago.

 

Dech, who will succeed Michael Noland beginning on March 16, recalled the trips he used to take from Gary to Chicago as engineer and conductor for CSX, a railroad strictly for hauling freight.

 

“This is really a full-circle moment for me, he said.

 

The South Shore commuter line is operated by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District.  He will become just the third NICTD leader since its founding in 1977.

 

Noland is retiring after a decade highlighted by the Double Track project that recapitalized the line between Gary and Michigan City and the West Lake Corridor project extending service through Hammond and Munster.

 

"I'll have the confidence to sleep at night knowing that the railroad's in great hands, and there's exciting things that are coming," Noland said.

 

Dech said he's excited to join NICTD at a time when the South Shore Line is in good condition and expanding service.