Most South Shore Line cars were acquired in 1982 and 1983, when the line was still operated by the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad.
The 1992 order of cars included 10 trailers, which have no cabs but have pantographs for auxiliary power. Because the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad ceased as the operator of the line, these latest cars do not have sign boards above the windows.
NICTD rehabilitated its older cars, including #40, shown in a newer paint scheme with a narrower orange stripe.
10 cars received in 2001 had cabs at only one end, including #105. Seen is the end without a cab.
In 2009, NICTD received 14 bilevel cars, of a design similar to cars acquired a few years earlier by Metra Electric.