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About NCTD - NCTD Info
this page contains:
Dump the Pump | The Green Benefits of Public Transit | District Information | Mission, Vision & Goals | Report to the Community | Frequently Asked Questions
1,000 Pledge to Try Transit in North County on
National Dump the Pump Day
NCTD and the American Public Transportation Association celebrated the third annual National Dump the Pump day on Thursday, June 19, 2008.
The day was designed to encourage people to get out of their cars and ride public transportation to raise awareness of the financial and environmental benefits of public transportation. Public transportation has the ability to save people money, conserve gasoline, and reduce the harmful greenhouse gases emitted into our environment.
Just $2 buys a single trip on the new SPRINTER trains or BREEZE buses, while a one-way COASTER train ticket costs about as much as a gallon of gas. And our buses and trains can get you to hundreds of destinations all over North County San Diego. So leave your car at home, catch public transit, then watch the savings add up - instead of your gas bill.
More than 1,000 North County residents visited us on National Dump the Pump Day, Thursday June 19, at the following locations and pledged to try transit:
Carlsbad Village – Starbucks at 2924 Carlsbad Blvd.
Downtown Oceanside – Farmer’s Market on Pier View Wayand Sunset Market at Tremont and Pier View Way
Vista Village – Starbucks at 30 W. Main St.
Downtown Escondido – Starbucks at 320 W. Valley Parkway
Click here to download the flyer about Dump the Pump.
Click here to view the press release about NCTD's June 19 events.
The Green Benefits of Public Transit
You can turn to public transit as a way to tame congestion on our roadways and help keep air quality at safe levels. At NCTD, we take pride in our innovations that have allowed us to leave less of a footprint on our environment.
The BREEZE
We chose to take an alternative fuel based path for our BREEZE buses, reducing particulate emissions in the bus fleet by 69%. Currently, more than half our buses run on environmentally-friendly compressed natural gas (CNG).
The COASTER has been using ultra-low sulfur content diesel fuel for years. This fuel contains 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur and is therefore better for our environment (also more expensive than regular diesel fuel).
The COASTER
The COASTER acquired two new locomotives in 2002 which are the lowest emission diesel passenger locomotives available in the marketplace. The locomotives burn low sulfur content fuel to a high efficiency level, which has greatly reduced particulate emissions. All five locomotives that have been in operations since the COASTER began service in 1995 have been overhauled with new advanced emission-control technologies including turbochargers combined with software that allow the engines to burn fuel to the highest efficiency. These overhauls have been done well in advance of any regulatory efforts targeting locomotives.
The SPRINTER
The new SPRINTER Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) are more efficient and quieter than their heavy commuter rail counterparts. The vehicles sport an environmentally friendly drive system with clean turbo-diesel engines that comply with the stringent limits stipulated by the Euro III and EPA TIER 2 emissions standards. Although widely used in Europe, the SPRINTER DMUs are the first of its kind in California — and in fact the country. The diesel technology in our DMUs is recognized as a viable, growing technology worldwide that contributes to a reduction in emissions and does so at a very reasonable cost. Additionally, fuel consumption is significantly less when compared to a heavier locomotive engine. To learn more about how the SPRINTER is helping with the "greening" of North County, click here.
It's hard to determine exactly how many cars are kept off the road each day as a result of our services, but we do know our BREEZE bus system moves nearly 35,000 passengers each weekday, while the COASTER averages 6,000+ passengers on a weekday. When fully loaded, each COASTER train removes up to 700 vehicles from Interstate-5. NCTD plans to add a sixth COASTER car to each train, increasing our trip capacity to 800. The SPRINTER is projected to move more than 11,000 passengers on weekdays by the end of the first year of service.
Benefits of Public Transit
NCTD's public transportation options provide greater freedom, access, opportunity and choice for North County residents. Even if you don't use public transit, you benefit from it. Consider these facts:
Public transportation improves air quality by reducing pollution. Compared with private vehicles, public transportation produces, on average, per passenger mile, 95 percent less carbon monoxide, 92 percent fewer volatile organic compounds, 45 percent less carbon dioxide and 48 percent less nitrogen oxide.
Public transportation reduces gasoline consumption. Each year, public transportation use saves the equivalent of 34 supertankers of oil, or a supertanker leaving the Middle East every 11 days.
Public transportation eases traffic congestion. In 2003, public transportation in America's most congested cities saved travelers 1.1 billion hours in travel time.
Public transportation saves money. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) found that public transportation use saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline every year, and can reduce household expenses by $6,200 — more than the average household pays for food in a year.
Public transportation provides economic opportunity. Every $1 invested in public transportation projects generates from $4 to $9 in local economic activity.
Public transportation is a $43 billion industry that employs more than 359,000 people. Locally, more than 5,000 jobs were created as a result of the SPRINTER project, under construction from 2004 - 2007.
Public transportation offers increased mobility options for our seniors and people with disablities. 83 percent of older Americans agree that public transit provides easy access to the things that they need in everyday life. Public transportation systems provide a vital link for the more than 51 million Americans with disabilities.
Approximately 12 percent of public transportation users are en route to schools. Educators and concerned parents in several North County school districts that no longer offer bus services now rely on NCTD's public transportation system.
Public transportation creates community benefits by fostering transit oriented development, revitalizing neighborhoods, and increasing social interaction and pedestrian activity. In North County especially our stations and transit centers have helped to create a sense of "place" that makes our communities unique and special.
Public transportation fosters a healthy and active lifestyle, encouraging more people to walk, bike and jog to transit stops. An analysis of 2001 National Household Travel Survey data for transit users finds that walking to and from transit helps inactive persons attain a significant portion of the recommended minimum daily exercise they need.
Take the challenge: try transit just one day a week and you too can help ease congestion, save gas money and even help the environment. Click here to see what your transit benefits calculation is.
To learn more about the benefits of public transit, visit the www.publictransportation.org web site hosted by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
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District Information
NCTD moves more than 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation for North San Diego County. The family of transit services includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, FAST curb-to-curb transportation, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail line, scheduled to begin operations in 2008.
The North San Diego County Transit Development Board (NSDCTDB) was created by California Senate Bill 802 on September 20, 1975. The Board was created to plan, construct and operate, directly, or through a contractor, public transit systems in its area of jurisdiction. On January 1, 2003, a new state law was enacted (SB 1703) that essentially
transferred future transit planning, programming, development and
construction to SANDAG, San Diego's Regional Planning Agency. The
NSDCTDB, referred to as the North County Transit District (NCTD),
continued to operate the BREEZE, COASTER and SPRINTER. In this new role,
NCTD continues to provide integrated public transit service within the
North San Diego County region. On August 30, 2005, California Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 1238, which amended the North County
Transit District Act to rename the District to North County Transit
District (NCTD), thus eliminating the full name North San Diego County
Transit Development Board. Although the transit district had commonly
been referred to as North County Transit District, this formal name
change was effective January 1, 2006.
NCTD's geographical service area encompasses 1,020 square miles of north
San Diego County extending from Del Mar in the South, northeasterly to
Escondido, north to the Riverside County line and west to the Orange
Count line. The area includes the unincorporated communities of
Fallbrook and Ramona as well as the Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base.
Other cities in the service area include Solana Beach, Encinitas,
Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista and San Marcos. The total population of the
NCTD service area is more than 800,000.
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NCTD Mission, Vision & Goals
North County Transit District's mission is to deliver safe, convenient,
reliable and user-friendly public transportation services. Our vision is
to build an integrated transit system that enables our customers to
travel easily and efficiently throughout our growing region.
We will achieve this by:
placing service to our customers first,
ensuring the safety and security of our employees and customers,
delivering high quality transit services,
developing and maintaining facilities that sustain and promote current and future transportation services,
securing adequate revenue, protecting our assets and getting the maximum return on the public investment,
working in partnership with our communities and other stakeholders,
encouraging innovation, creativity and leadership.
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Report to the Community
In an ongoing effort to keep the community connected to the achievements
of NCTD, we present our 2007 Report to the Community. Learn about the
year's highlights, the accomplishments we're proud of and join us as we
look ahead toward what is certain to be an exciting year. Click here to download the report in .pdf format.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are NCTD's office hours?
2. What are your operating hours and scheduled holidays?
3. How do I learn how to use the NCTD public transit system?
4. What number can I call for information if I live outside San Diego County?
5. What is the quickest route to my destination?
6. How do I get to the San Diego Airport?
7. Can you send me transportation information to tourist attractions in your area?
8. Does NCTD accept transfers?
9. Do you accept credit cards?
10. Are discounts available for students, class trips, seniors or people with disabilities?
11. What is the fare for NCTD's services?
12. Where can I purchase tickets?
13. Where can I get a half-price monthly pass?
14. What is your service area?
15. How do I access the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base?
16. How is NCTD funded?
17. How frequently do buses run?
18. How can I get a BREEZE Rider's Guide sent to me?
19. What is the parking availability at stations?
20. Why can't I get tickets in advanced for future COASTER trips?
21. Can I eat or drink on the BREEZE, COASTER or SPRINTER?
22. Can I take a cooler on the COASTER or Express Buses for sporting events?
23. How often do you clean your vehicles?
24. Who should I contact if a bus stop needs cleaning?
25. Why doesn't the COASTER run more frequently or on Sundays?
26. Can I use my COASTER monthly pass on Amtrak?
27. Is wireless internet access available on the COASTER yet?
28. What is the difference between the COASTER, Amtrak and Metrolink?
29. Why isn't there better coordination between COASTER and METROLINK trains in Oceanside?
30. Will I be able to use my BREEZE monthly pass or Day Pass on the SPRINTER?
31. Where can I receive help planning a trip over the phone or online?
32. How do I find out more about SPRINTER rail safety?
33. What are the eligibility requirements for LIFT paratransit services?
34. Does the LIFT paratransit service reach the VA Hospital in San Diego and San Clemente in the north?
35. What is the FAST curb-to-curb shuttle service?
36. How do I register a complaint?
37. Can I take a bike, skateboard, surfboard, or stroller on board?
38. Do you have a lost and found for items left on the bus or train?
39. What are you doing to help the environment?
40. How many cars does public transit take off the road?
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1. What are NCTD's office hours?
NCTD's Customer Service center at the Administrative Office at 810 Mission Ave. is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Customer Service windows at the Oceanside, Vista and Escondido Transit Centers are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m to 7 p.m.
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2. What are your operating hours and scheduled holidays?
BREEZE Buses operate 365 days a year, with reduced schedules on Sundays and major holidays, see route schedules for details. The COASTER commuter train operates Monday through Saturday. The COASTER does not operate on Sundays or on major holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day). The COASTER runs fewer trains the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve day and New Year's Eve day. The COASTER operates with a normal schedule on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. View the Rider Alerts page for more details.
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3. How do I learn how to use the NCTD public transit system?
Start on the BREEZE, SPRINTER and COASTER "How to Ride" pages or call 760-966-6500 to request a copy of the Rider's Guide. For customized trip planning, call 511 or visit Transit.511sd.com. If you have a disability or are a senior, visit the Mobility and Travel Training program page.
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4. What number can I call for information if I live outside San Diego County?
Call our regional information operators directly at 619-233-3004 from phones outside of San Diego County.
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5. What is the quickest route to my destination?
For customized trip planning, call 511 or visit transit.511sd.com.
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6. How do I get to the San Diego Airport?
Take the COASTER to Downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot). You can use your COASTER ticket or monthly pass to transfer for free to MTS route 992 Airport Flyer. Click here to view a list of COASTER stations and to learn more about how to use the Airport Flyer route 992 to connect to the airport. When planning your return trip, keep in mind the COASTER has limited service on Saturdays and does not operate on Sundays.
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7. Can you send me transportation information to tourist attractions in your area?
Click here to view a list of destinations from COASTER stations. To request a Rider's Guide with this information, call NCTD's Customer Service at 760-966-6500.
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8. Does NCTD accept transfers?
If you have a valid COASTER ticket or monthly pass, you can transfer for FREE to the SPRINTER or BREEZE buses. Passengers wanting to transfer from BREEZE bus to BREEZE bus, will need to purchase another fare or may purchase a Day Pass to ride all day for one low price. You can transfer from a BREEZE bus to an MTS bus, but a cash upgrade may be required. A BREEZE Day Pass is valid on OCTA buses for one boarding and vice versa. Click here to learn more about transfers from the sdmts.com web site. If transferring from an RTA bus to a BREEZE bus in Oceanside, full fare is required. Metrolink tickets and passes are valid for one boarding on the SPRINTER/BREEZE at the Oceanside Transit Center.
With a SPRINTER/BREEZE Day Pass, you are eligible to transfer to the COASTER and receive a transfer from transit discount off the COASTER ticket. Metrolink and RTA fare media are not valid for proof of eligibility for transfer from transit discount on the COASTER. Click here to learn more about transferring to the COASTER.
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9. Do you accept credit cards?
Ticket Vending Machines at COASTER and SPRINTER stations currently accept credit cards. Debit cards will be accepted on Ticket Vending Machines in the near future. You can not use a credit card on board a BREEZE bus (cash only). Contact NCTD Customer Service for information on the Pass By Mail program or to order monthly passes with a credit card.
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10. Are discounts available for students, class trips, seniors or people with disabilities?
Yes. Click here for information about all our fares: BREEZE and COASTER. Click here for College BREEZE discounts. Click here for information about COASTER Classroom Day Trips.
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11. What is the fare for NCTD's services?
Click here for BREEZE fares, SPRINTER fares or COASTER fares.
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12. Where can I purchase tickets?
Purchase BREEZE single trip and Day Passes on board the BREEZE buses. BREEZE/SPRINTER Monthly and regional passes (such as the senior/disabled/medicard pass) can be purchased from Customer Service or view the list of Bus Pass Outlets. Purchase SPRINTER tickets and regular monthly passes from Ticket Vending Machines located on station platforms. Purchase COASTER tickets and monthly passes from Ticket Vending Machines located on station platforms.
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13. Where can I get a half-price monthly pass?
NCTD does not sell half-priced passes at this time. Half-priced regional passes are available only at The Transit Store in downtown San Diego.
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14. What is your service area?
NCTD's geographical service area encompasses 1,020 square miles of north San Diego County extending from Del Mar in the South, northeasterly to Escondido, north to the Riverside County line and west to the Orange Count line. The area includes the unincorporated communities of Fallbrook and Ramona as well as the Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base. Other cities in the service area include Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista and San Marcos. BREEZE routes run as far south as University Towne Center in La Jolla (route 101); San Clemente in the north (route 395) and Ramona in the east (route 386). The total population of the NCTD service area is more than 800,000.
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15. How do I access the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base?
Four BREEZE bus routes serve the Camp Pendleton base: 315, 395, 397 and 409. All persons entering Camp Pendleton must have valid identification and are subject to search at any time.
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16. How is NCTD funded?
NCTD's funds come from a variety of sources. Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds account for 42% and are based on local sales tax collected in our service area. Passenger fares supply 22% of revenues, followed by 16% from a variety of sources including property leases and vehicle advertising. 13% of funds come from the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) and 7% from TransNet, the voter-approved sales tax dedicated to transportation.
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17. How frequently do buses run?
Many BREEZE routes operate every hour or every half-hour. Visit individual route timetables for exact schedules.
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18. How can I get a BREEZE Rider's Guide sent to me?
The entire contents of the guide is available on this website. However, if you need a hardcopy sent to you, call the NCTD Customer Service department at 760-966-6500 or contact us.
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19. What is the parking availability at stations?
It is best to arrive 20 minutes before your train leaves to secure parking, especially for Padres game day trains. Parking lots are typically at full capacity by mid-day in Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad Poinsettia and Encinitas. Click here to learn more about parking lot locations at our COASTER stations. Click here to learn more about parking at our SPRINTER stations.
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20. Why can't I get tickets in advanced for future COASTER trips?
The new Ticket Vending Machines were programmed to coincide with the region's Smart Card implementation, also known as the Compass Card. Although SANDAG had a significant delay, we needed to install the TVMs in June 2007. The new machines self-validate a ticket and therefore, tickets must be used on the day purchased. When the Compass Card, the region's transit smart card, is available for passengers in late 2008, passengers will be able to load multiple trips on a card in advance and simply tap & go every time they board a train, instead of purchasing ten trip tickets. Visit compasscard.org for more information.
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21. Can I eat or drink on the BREEZE, COASTER or SPRINTER?
Food and drinks are permitted on the COASTER. Please be sure to pick up your trash and dispose of it either in the trash receptacles located on the trains or on station platforms. Passengers are not permitted to eat or drink on BREEZE buses or SPRINTER trains. No open containers or consumption of alcoholic beverages will be allowed on BREEZE buses (including special event Express Buses for sporting events) in accordance with California Vehicle Code sections 23221, 23223 and PUC section 5353(e).
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22. Can I take a cooler on the COASTER or Express Buses for sporting events?
Coolers or alcoholic beverages are not permitted on BREEZE Express Buses. Passengers can bring coolers on the COASTER, but Styrofoam containers are not recommended, which have a tendency to break. Properly dispose of all coolers, cans and bottles in station trash or recycling receptacles.
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23. How often do you clean your vehicles?
NCTD takes pride in the appearance and cleanliness of our rolling stock. Our BREEZE buses are washed on the outside and cleaned / vacuumed on the inside each night. We make all attempts to remove or clean any graffiti as soon as it is spotted.
COASTER trains are given an exterior wash every other night and cleaned inside every night. We realize that after more than 12 years of service some of our COASTER coaches are showing their age. Although the trains are still extremely reliable, NCTD has been working to spruce up the appearance. This $3 million refurbishment project is taking place over five years and involves upgrading 22 total coaches. In the interior of the vehicles, the carpet and tile flooring is being replaced. On the seats, you'll notice new foam cushions and beach-themed upholstery with new head rests. The trains are being completely cleaned and detailed. Externally, the trains are undergoing a new paint job which will mitigate corrosion and maximize the lifespan of these vehicles. The headrests on many coaches were especially showing wear and tear, so we replaced headrests in all these coaches first.
You can help keep our trains and buses clean by picking and properly disposing of trash, especially bottles and cans, which when left behind are often spilled.
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24. Who should I contact if a bus stop needs cleaning?
Contact Customer Service at 760-966-6500 and we will coordinate cleaning of the bus stop with the appropriate city or jurisdiction.
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25. Why doesn't the COASTER run more frequently or on Sundays?
The COASTER is primarily a commuter service, with the majority of passengers heading south in the mornings and north in the afternoons on weekdays. COASTER schedules best meet the needs of these commuters. We also share the rail line with up to 24 Amtrak trains and 4 to 6 freight trains a day. Until the rail line is double tracked in more sections, we are physically limited in the number of trains we can operate on this busy corridor. Moreover, NCTD must balance fiscal constraints with passenger demand. Trains don't run on Sundays because ridership projections are low. However, in 2008 the COASTER added trains on Saturday nights and Sunday for home Padres games.
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26. Can I use my COASTER monthly pass on Amtrak?
Yes. See the web page about the Rail2Rail Program.
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27. Is wireless internet access available on the COASTER yet?
Not at this time. The board has directed staff to pursue this benefit for COASTER passengers. More information will be posted on this site when available.
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28. What is the difference between the COASTER, Amtrak and Metrolink?
The COASTER commuter trains operate between Oceanside and downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot) and serve eight stations. The Metrolink commuter trains serve Oceanside and operate in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is a southern California intercity service that operates between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, with stops only at San Diego (Santa Fe Depot), Solana Beach and Oceanside in our service area.
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29. Why isn't there better coordination between COASTER and METROLINK trains in Oceanside?
The COASTER and Metrolink train systems focus on two opposite operating plans. The COASTER focuses on the southbound commuter, while Metrolink focuses on northbound commutes. Amtrak serves passengers who need to make intercity trips. Since each train operator shares the tracks with other trains, each schedule has physical constraints.
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30. Can I use my BREEZE monthly pass or Day Pass on the SPRINTER? How about COASTER tickets and monthly passes?
Yes. BREEZE/SPRINTER Monthly Passes and Day Passes are used interchangeably on the BREEZE and SPRINTER. A COASTER ticket is valid for two hours after purchase for use on the SPRINTER. COASTER monthly pass holders also ride the SPRINTER for no additional charge.
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31. Where can I receive help planning a trip over the phone or online?
Please contact NCTD Customer Service at 760-966-6500 (Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 5 pm) or contact the regional traffic and transit hotline toll free at 511. For online transit planning, visit http://transit.511sd.com/ (formerly sdcommute.com). Click here to learn more about about NCTD's Travel and Mobility Training program.
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32. How do I find out more about SPRINTER rail safety?
Visit the SPRINTER rail safety page.
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33. What are the eligibility requirements for LIFT paratransit services?
Visit the NCTD ADA Eligibility web page.
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34. Does the LIFT paratransit service reach the VA Hospital in San Diego and San Clemente in the north?
LIFT paratransit service provides transportation to all areas where the BREEZE buses travel. Transfers to San Diego's paratransit services, Access or CTS, are simple. When you schedule your trip with LIFT, the reservationist will take your info rmation and set up the transfer for you. Transfer points include North County Fair in Escondido , the VA Hospital in La Jolla , and on Day Street in Ramona, by the Kmart and near the FAST stop. Our northernmost stop is at the Carl's Jr. on El Camino Real in San Clemente . You would need to contact OCTA Access, at (877) OCTA-ADA, to schedule a trip from that transfer point.
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35. What is the FAST curb-to-curb shuttle service?
“Fast and Simple Transportation” is a curb-to-curb transit program that uses on-call mini-buses in select zones in Encinitas, Fallbrook, Ramona and south Vista . FAST costs the same fare as the BREEZE buses. Call 800-660-4789 to schedule a FAST pick-up. Visit the FAST web page for complete details. NOTE: FAST is proposed to be eliminated, effective August 10, 2008.
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36. How do I register a complaint?
NCTD welcomes public comment. For your convenience, we have "Rider Report" forms available at the Customer Service windows at the Oceanside, Vista, and Escondido Transit Centers. Of course, you can also call our main office during business hours at 760-966-6500, fax us at 760-967-2001 or mail to NCTD Customer Service, 810 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, California, 92054. If you prefer to send an e-mail please download the PDF form from the Customer Service contact page.
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37. Can I take a bike, skateboard, surfboard, or stroller on board?
You can take these items on board the BREEZE, COASTER and SPRINTER. Surfboards (or boogie boards) must be less than 6 feet in length and held upright in front of the passenger. Skateboards must be held on laps. Bikes on the COASTER can be secured with Velcro tie downs. Bikes on the BREEZE (up to 2 per bus) must be stored on the bike rack on the front of the bus. Strollers can be brought on board the BREEZE and SPRINTER, but must be collapsed. These items must not block aisles, seats, doorways or exits. Look for the decals on the doors of the SPRINTER for bikes, strollers and wheelchairs. SPRINTER trains have tie down hooks for bungee cords, but you must carry your own (not provided on the train). Each SPRINTER train has a limit of four bikes per vehicle, and space is first come, first served. Bikes on the SPRINTER must not block the area for wheelchair passengers.
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38. Do you have a lost and found for items left on the bus or train?
Yes, it is located at the Oceanside Transit Center. Call 760-967-2884.
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39. What are you doing to help the environment?
You can turn to public transit as a way to tame congestion on our roadways and help keep air quality at safe levels. At NCTD, we take pride in our innovations that have allowed us to leave less of a footprint on our environment. We chose to take an alternative fuel based path for our BREEZE buses in 2002, reducing particulate emissions in the bus fleet by 69%. Currently, nearly half our buses run on environmentally-friendly compressed natural gas (CNG).
Public transportation improves air quality by reducing pollution. Compared with private vehicles, public transportation produces, on average, per passenger mile, 95 percent less carbon monoxide, 92 percent fewer volatile organic compounds, 45 percent less carbon dioxide and 48 percent less nitrogen oxide.
The COASTER has been using ultra-low sulfur content diesel fuel for years. This fuel contains 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur and is therefore better for our environment (also more expensive than regular diesel fuel). The COASTER acquired two new locomotives in 2002 which are the lowest emission diesel passenger locomotives available in the marketplace. The locomotives burn low sulfur content fuel to a high efficiency level, which has greatly reduced particulate emissions. All five locomotives that started COASTER operations in 1995 have been overhauled with new advanced emission-control technologies including turbochargers combined with software that allow the engines to burn fuel to the highest efficiency. These overhauls have been done well in advance of any regulatory efforts targeting locomotives.
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40. How many cars does public transit take off the road?
It's hard to determine exactly how many cars are kept off the road each day, but we do know that our BREEZE bus system moves nearly 35,000 passengers each weekday, while the COASTER averages 6,000 passengers on a weekday. The SPRINTER is projected to move more than 11,000 passengers on weekdays.
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