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This Month

SANDAG newsletter
provides information
on key projects & services
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SANDAG year in review
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Hundreds celebrate
SPRINTER grand opening rule
Fare Facts: A guide to
regional transit fares
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2008 Diamond Awards rule
Increase workplace
flexibility with free workshop
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Bayshore Bikeway
named trail of the month rule
Regional sediment management workshop
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December Board Actions available online
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   the rEgion
 

Hundreds celebrate SPRINTER
grand opening SPRINTER

The chill in the air did not diminish the warm welcome the new SPRINTER received as it rolled into the Escondido Transit Center for a grand opening celebration. Hundreds gathered on December 28, 2007 to see North County’s new light rail train during the ceremonial event. The North County Transit District (NCTD) is scheduled to begin passenger service aboard the SPRINTER early this year.

The SPRINTER provides service between Oceanside and Escondido, making 15 stops along the way. Total trip time is 53 minutes, with travel times of about three to five minutes between stations. From approximately 4 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., the SPRINTER runs passenger service every 30 minutes on weekdays in both directions and hourly service on the weekends. Parking is free and available at most SPRINTER stations.

The trains are efficient, European-style vehicles that are smaller than the COASTER train and larger than the San Diego Trolley. The interiors are bright and airy, with large picture windows and plenty of room for carry-on items. Level boarding makes it easy to roll on for passengers in mobility devices. These new generation, diesel-powered, multiple-unit trains meet all current and projected emission standards. Each train set holds up to 450 passengers. More than 11,000 people are expected to ride the SPRINTER each day.

A one-way trip on the SPRINTER is $2 or you can purchase a day pass for $4. Seniors or passengers with disabilities can ride for $2 a day or $1 for a single trip.

Regular monthly passes are priced at $54 and seniors or passengers with disabilities can purchase a monthly pass for $16. Tickets and passes are sold from ticket vending machines located at the stations. It will be easy to transfer between the SPRINTER and the BREEZE, fares are interchangeable.

Current BREEZE bus riders will have an enhancement of service in the corridor, with faster travel times and easy feeder service through updated BREEZE routes. NCTD’s new transit network calls for many BREEZE bus routes to change so that they meet up with the trains at SPRINTER stations. The SPRINTER also will have links to other rail lines in Oceanside: the COASTER, Amtrak, and Metrolink, making the Southern California region accessible to all transit riders.

The SPRINTER provides connections to major employment areas, local restaurants, and entertainment and commercial centers. College students, staff, and faculty can rely on the SPRINTER to easily reach campuses in North County: MiraCosta College in Oceanside; Palomar College and Cal State San Marcos in San Marcos.

Current information about the SPRINTER is available at www.gonctd.com.