On his second day on the job, Mike Noland was busy working on extending the South Shore Line service from Hammond to Dyer. It was October 28, 2014, and the meeting took place at Munster’s Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Attendees were introduced to potential route options with the help of numerous poster boards.
The occasion marked the start of the environmental process for the West Lake Corridor. Recently retired Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) president and general manager, Noland reminisced about this initial task. His efforts could soon be revisited as the RDA’s new 20-year strategic plan looks to expand further, targeting locations like Crown Point, Merrillville, and Valparaiso.
Even in retirement, Noland is wrapped in finalizing details for the Monon Corridor project that began full service on April 1. His successor, David Dech, acknowledged Noland’s ongoing contributions. Noland’s extensive knowledge of commuter rail service stems from his time at Metra Electric.
Early Experiences in Commuter Rail
Noland started his rail career at Metra in 1983, at a time when many freight railroads wanted to depart from passenger service as they were financially failing. “Sounds familiar, right? A fiscal cliff?” Noland recalled as he compared past issues to present funding calls faced by the Illinois Legislature and the Indiana General Assembly’s deal with NICTD.
Career Development and Leadership Roles
Noland began in what was personnel, now human relations, then attended law school. By 1990, he became chief HR officer and later served as general counsel. His Metra career faced challenges, including the suicide of troubled CEO Phil Pagano. Afterward, he joined Iowa Pacific, gaining experience in short line operations before leading NICTD.
NICTD operates similarly to a short line, Noland observed, emphasizing multitasking, exemplified by Kelly Wenger’s wide-ranging role in handling grants and compliance. At Iowa Pacific, Noland was vice president of HR for its European branch, overseeing U.S. rail operations as well.
Joining NICTD and Overcoming Challenges
Before accepting the role of NICTD president, Noland examined the 20-year service plan. He credits his predecessor, Gerald Hanas, for helping him understand the railroad’s background and decisions. Noland foresaw his interactions with Dech following a similar pattern as he transitioned into the advisory role.
Strategic Improvements and Innovations
One of Noland’s significant contributions was hiring Metra retiree George Hardwich to assess the South Shore Line’s operations. Hardwich provided valuable, candid insights resulting in operational improvements, including removing speed restrictions to enhance schedule efficiency.
The Monon Corridor project and the Double Track NWI initiative offered new opportunities to improve infrastructure and scheduling. Strategic relocations and construction allowed for dual-directional operations on tracks, enhancing service quality without major user resistance.
Noland emphasizes the importance of aligning NICTD and Metra efforts for improved passenger experiences. Adjustments like speed optimization at certain bridges helped trim transit times, showcasing the benefits of a collaborative approach.
Future Projects and Potential Savings
NICTD plans to shift the South Bend station, potentially reducing travel times significantly by removing several at-grade crossings. Noland recognizes these as rare opportunities to achieve substantial time savings and enhance service.
Noland reflects positively on the achievements during his tenure, though he acknowledges that more advancements remain possible.
The legacy of Mike Noland extends beyond his retirement, underscoring his role as a transformative figure within commuter rail operations.
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