1.Monon ran a service in Indy that might have quilified as commuter service and perhaps the I&O or it spredisesor ran a service to Cincy. Its clear that this Highway and Concrete loving state needs a good dose of railroad medicine. I would take over the Monon Bike Path and the PRR bike path and convert it to DMU commuter rail. Its not fair that only NW IN gets commuter rail while commuter rail is not even on the drawing board in Indy and Metro Cincy.
Valparaiso served via the old PRR from Gary and Lowell served via the old Monon line through Munster are targets in NW Indiana. Valpo has the benefit of an actual commuter service up until 1991. Lowell probably has more support.
Commuter rail works well in this area because the idea never died. Chicago's CTA trains circulate people and serve the city. Metra takes care of Illinois. The NICTD line fits in nicely and the proposals would expand a working system. Indy is a mess with no rail except the hospital train - no circulator. Corridors would have to be found. Design a system of "from to" ... who are you serving? Noblesville? Cincy has been trying to get it's act together since they closed the Erie Canal. I can see commuter connections built when the Midwest High Speed rail is built (for both Indy and Cincy) but not until then. Money is tight.