OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 6/26/2008
NCTD Fares to Increase on July 1, 2008

On Tuesday, July 1 the North County Transit District (NCTD) will implement a fare increase for all its services, including BREEZE buses, SPRINTER and COASTER trains. The increase in fares was approved by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Transportation Committee on June 13 and is needed to help NCTD overcome projected 2009 fiscal year budget shortfalls due to lower than expected state funding and high fuel costs. Not all of NCTD’s fares will increase. The new fares are highlighted in red on the charts below:

Beginning July 1, COASTER commuter train one-way fares will increase 50 cents across the board while monthly passes will increase $14. One-way COASTER fares will increase by another 50 cents and monthly passes will increase another $14 effective January 1, 2009. NCTD will no longer participate in the Rail2Rail program with Amtrak, effective July 1, 2008, which allows COASTER monthly pass holders to ride any Amtrak train for free within the limits of their zones.

The COASTER is experiencing an increase in ridership, due in part to the high cost of gas. Ridership for the month of May was up 8% over rider counts for May 2007. In order to increase capacity and enhance passenger comfort, NCTD will be adding a sixth car to its normal five-car COASTER train set for more than half of its trains operating Monday through Friday.

SANDAG will implement a surcharge for all passengers using the Sorrento Valley COASTER Connection (SVCC) shuttle, effective September 1, 2008. Passengers will pay $1.00 for each ride on the SVCC service ($0.50 for passengers with Senior/Disabled/Medicare card). A $40.00 COASTER monthly pass supplement for unlimited rides each month on the SVCC (Senior/Disabled/Medicare: $10.00 and youth: $20.00) will also become available.

For complete trip planning information via public transit in San Diego County call toll free 511, or plan your trip on-line at: transit.511sd.com. Click here for COASTER, SPRINTER and BREEZE schedules.

NCTD moves more than 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation for North San Diego County. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, FAST curb-to-curb transportation, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD’s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.


OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 6/12/2008
Pledge to Try Transit in North County on June 19, National Dump the Pump Day;
NCTD Transit Services Help Passengers Save Money and Reduce Emissions

With high gas prices on everyone’s mind, North County Transit District (NCTD) announced today that it will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the third annual national Dump the Pump Day on June 19. Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2008 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation to save money, conserve gasoline, and help reduce greenhouse gases.

NCTD welcomes new riders on national Dump the Pump Day and encourages North County drivers to pledge to try transit. NCTD representatives will be available to answer questions, pass out schedules and help plan trips for those who are ready to leave the car at home. Visit one of our tables on national Dump the Pump Day, Thursday June 19, at the following locations to receive a free Day Pass (while supplies last):

Carlsbad Village – Starbucks at 2924 Carlsbad Blvd., 6 - 9 a.m.
Downtown Oceanside – Farmer’s Market on Pier View Way, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Sunset Market at Tremont and Pier View Way, 5 - 9 p.m.
Vista Village – Starbucks at 30 W. Main St., 6 - 9 a.m.
Downtown Escondido – Starbucks at 320 W. Valley Parkway, 6 - 9 a.m.

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. “Using public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices,” said NCTD Board Chairman Ed Gallo. “If gas prices are too high for you, then ‘dump the pump’ and take a BREEZE bus, SPRINTER or COASTER train on June 19.”

Households with two workers and one car that use public transportation save $6,200 every year, compared to a household with no access to public transportation. So leave your car at home, catch public transit, then watch the savings add up – instead of your gas bill.

“Public transportation also has an important role to play in helping to reduce greenhouse gases,” said NCTD Board Vice-Chairman Dave Roberts. “If you leave your car behind to take public transportation – even just to a single event this summer like a Padres game or the San Diego County Fair – you will be helping to combat climate change.”

According to a new study prepared by ICF International and titled Broadening the Connection between Public Transportation and Energy Conservation, public transportation reduces our nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually – equivalent to the electricity used by 4.9 million households.

“With gas prices higher than ever and financial concerns affecting everyone, now is the time to save money and ride public transportation,” said APTA President William W. Millar. “The National Dump the Pump Day on June 19 is an opportunity for people across the country to make a difference in their wallet, as well as in the environment.”

For complete trip planning information via public transit in San Diego County call toll free, 511, or plan your trip on-line at: transit.511sd.com. Click here for COASTER, SPRINTER and BREEZE schedules.

NCTD moves more than 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation for North San Diego County. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, FAST curb-to-curb transportation, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD’s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 6/05/2008
NCTD Board of Directors Names Interim to Replace Departing Executive Director;
Announces Agreement with former Carlsbad City Manager

North County Transit District (NCTD) Board of Directors has entered into an agreement with Ray Patchett to serve as interim Executive Director of the transit agency. Current Executive Director Karen King announced her resignation in May and will be departing NCTD on June 20.

The Board is pleased to welcome Patchett to the District in the interim capacity. He joined the City of Carlsbad in 1985, became the City Manager in 1987 and served in that capacity until 2007. Patchett will liaison with the Board while the Board aggressively seeks a permanent Executive Director to lead the agency. Patchett holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Master’s Degree in Organization Development from Pepperdine University.

NCTD moves more than 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation for North San Diego County. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, FAST curb-to-curb transportation, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD’s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.



OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 6/05/2008
Media Alert: NCTD Welcomes 130 New Parking Spaces at the Carlsbad Village COASTER Station

WHO: The North County Transit District (NCTD) and Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors

WHERE: Carlsbad Village Coaster station – north end of existing lot

WHEN: Friday, June 13, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. sharp

WHAT: Ribbon cutting for new addition to parking lot

WHY: NCTD will officially open 130 new parking spaces for the public. The additional spaces will add much-needed relief to a current lot that is over-capacity daily. The $200,000 construction project included lighting, fencing, paving and stripping.



OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 5/15/2008
NCTD Board Takes Step Forward in Securing a Balanced Budget
Executive Director Announces Resignation

The North County Transit District (NCTD) Board of Directors met today to release its proposed $91.2 million Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Operating and five year Capital Improvement Program budget. The board’s actions during the past few months allow NCTD to avoid a projected $3.5 million deficit for the 2009 budget and more importantly allow NCTD to remain financially viable for many years to come. The new budget contains proposed service reductions, staff layoffs and restructuring, and fare increases, which must be approved by SANDAG. The Board plans to approve the budget in June in order for it to take effect on July 1, 2008.

Yesterday Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed using fuel tax revenues normally allotted for funding public transportation, to again be funneled into the state’s general fund to shore up the state’s financial difficulties. Since 2001, nearly $3 billion has been taken from the public transit account and transferred to the state’s general fund. This funding loss translates to tens of millions in lost revenue for NCTD operating and capital accounts.

Because the Board has taken decisive action in its proposed budget, NCTD is in a stable financial position to move forward and avoid reoccurring budget deficits in the future. NCTD is currently facing critical financial challenges, including a decline in consumer spending resulting in a significant drop in the district’s revenues from local sales taxes while the rapidly rising cost of fuel is inflating NCTD’s annual fuel budget to $11 million. In a proactive manner the board sought to ensure the future financial health of the Transit District.

Also announced at the board meeting today was the resignation of Executive Director Karen King, effective June 20. King has accepted the CEO position at Golden Empire Transit District in Bakersfield. Hired in 1998, King carried NCTD through the development of the first comprehensive revision of NCTD’s operating system. Dubbed Fast Forward, it revised the BREEZE bus system in 2002 and it allowed NCTD to seamlessly add the SPRINTER to its current transportation network. As is common with many transit districts completing “new start” projects, such as the SPRINTER, King leaves at a natural point in NCTD’s transition from development to operations.

NCTD Chairman Ed Gallo said of King’s service to NCTD, “I want to personally thank Karen King for her dedicated years of service to NCTD. She came to NCTD in 1998 and instituted Fast Forward and was instrumental in getting the SPRINTER train operational. The entire Board appreciates all she has done for this organization. We wish her well in Bakersfield.”

The NCTD Board of Directors aims to ensure a smooth transition following King’s departure and is aggressively pursuing its search for a new Executive Director. These recruiting efforts have already led to a short list of potential candidates.

“I am leaving NCTD on firm footing and am confident that today’s action by the board will provide a healthy financial foundation for the District,” said King.

NCTD moves more than 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation for North San Diego County. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, FAST curb-to-curb transportation, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD’s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.



OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 5/09/2008
NCTD Announces Comprehensive Restructuring and Staff Reduction Plan
Transit Agency Works to Address Unprecedented Budget Challenges

North County Transit District today announced that it has initiated a comprehensive restructuring and staff reduction plan to address an anticipated shortfall in its proposed Fiscal Year 2009 Budget. Due to a sharp decline in revenues from local sales taxes, threats to state funding and rapidly increasing fuel costs, the District faced a potential budget deficit in excess of $3 million. By implementing the restructuring, along with the previously proposed service reductions and fare increases, the District will be able to avoid a budget deficit in the coming fiscal year.

“Today’s difficult economic environment has posed unprecedented budget challenges for public transportation agencies across the state and country,” said Executive Director Karen King. “Providing North County residents with the best possible transportation system in the most efficient manner possible requires restructuring our organization and the services we offer to fit within our budget constraints. These changes, while extremely difficult, are necessary to ensure NCTD’s long-term fiscal health.”

NCTD’s Board of Directors will consider the comprehensive restructuring plan as part of the fiscal year 2009 budget at its May 15 meeting. In addition to the staff reductions in operating and administrative units, the proposed plan includes a hiring freeze, ending limited-term positions, and eliminating other positions across the organization, including several senior management positions.

“While we recognize that these staff reductions and the proposed changes in our services and fares impact many people, it is imperative that NCTD not only meet its current budget crisis, but also restructure itself to avoid future projected deficits,” said King.

Some of the staff reductions, which began this week, will be implemented by the end of the current fiscal year. The final number and timing of the reductions has not been determined and will be dependant on the outcome of NCTD’s proposed service changes.

A portion of the reductions will coincide with the implementation of the proposed service changes. A public hearing regarding the proposed service changes is scheduled for May 12, 2008. SANDAG will conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed fare increases on May 30, 2008.

Without these changes to service levels, fares, and staffing, NCTD faced mounting budget deficits in the next several fiscal years, increasing to a projected $10 million shortfall by fiscal year 2012. Implementation of the proposed staff reductions and the changes in service and fares will balance NCTD’s FY09 Budget, and dramatically improves NCTD’s financial outlook for future budget years.

Several factors have contributed to NCTD’s short and long-term budget crisis. The downturn in the Southern California and U.S. economies played a major role. A decline in consumer spending caused a significant drop in the district’s revenues from local sales taxes. Since February, 2007 NCTD’s estimated revenues from local sale taxes declined from the original estimate of $61.4 million to a revised amount of $53.9 million. In addition to this unexpected drop in sales tax revenue, state funding for public transportation is uncertain due to the budget deficit in Sacramento. Over $4 million for FY2009 due to NCTD may be diverted.

NCTD has also been impacted by rapidly increasing fuel costs. In just one year, NCTD’s cost for a gallon of diesel fuel has increased more than 50%, causing its annual fuel budget to balloon to $11 million. Just five years ago NCTD’s annual fuel budget was $3 million.

NCTD moves more than 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation for North San Diego County. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, FAST curb-to-curb transportation, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD’s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 4/30/2008
Month of May Events on the SPRINTER Line
Extra trains to run for this Sunday’s Cinco De Mayo event at the Oceanside Pier

Take North County Transit District’s (NCTD) SPRINTER light rail train to reach special events in North County this May. The Oceanside – Escondido SPRINTER train runs half-hour service on weekdays from approximately 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., with hourly service on the weekends.

This Sunday, May 4, the SPRINTER will add additional trains into service to offer half hour service from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., to provide extra transportation options for Oceanside’s popular Cinco de Mayo Fiesta En La Playa. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oceanside Pier, which is within walking distance of the SPRINTER station at the Oceanside Transit Center. With large crowds expected to attend this annual event, the SPRINTER makes it easy to access the beach and pier area, while leaving the stress of traffic and parking behind. Parking is free and plentiful at 13 of the SPRINTER’s 15 stations located along the Highway 78 corridor.

May events that are accessible from SPRINTER stations include:
• Sat. May 3, Fiesta, Vista Townsite Community Partnership Center, (760) 806-8980, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sun. May 4, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta en la Playa, Oceanside Pier Amphitheater, (858) 576-1919, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sun. May 11, Mother’s Day Home Tour, Old Escondido Neighborhood, (760) 735-8072, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (accessible by BREEZE buses from the SPRINTER station)
• Sun. May 11, Antiques on Mission Street Fair, Oceanside (760) 754-4512, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sat. May 17, Wind in the Willows (production for kids), Hearth Theatre, San Marcos Community Recreation Center, (760) 744-9000, 2 p.m.
• Sun. May 18, Escondido Downtown Street Fair, (760) 945-9288, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sun. May 18, Wind in the Willows (production for kids), Hearth Theatre, San Marcos Community Recreation Center, (760) 744-9000, 2 p.m.
• Sat. May 24, Vista Village Business Association Baking Contest, Downtown Main Street, (760) 414-9391, 11 a.m.
• Sun. May 25, Vista Village Chocolate Festival, Downtown Main Street, (760) 726-1122, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sat. May 31, Community Concert Outreach, Oceanside Pier Amphitheater, (760) 639-0304, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
To add an event to this listing, call 760-966-6602. To download a PDF of this listing, click here.

The extended SPRINTER schedule planned for Sunday, May 4 is a sneak peek at what will be offered in the near future. Beginning this summer, the SPRINTER will run mid-day half hour service on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., thanks in part to a Job Access and Reverse Commute program (JARC) grant, made available through SANDAG, which provides partial funding for the increased service.

For complete trip planning information via public transit in San Diego County call toll free, 511, or plan your trip on-line at: transit.511sd.com. Complete COASTER, SPRINTER and BREEZE schedules are available on this website.

NCTD moves more than 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation for North San Diego County. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, FAST curb-to-curb transportation, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD’s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.



OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 4/17/2008
California State Budget Crunch, Worsening Economy and Rising Fuel Prices Threaten North County Public Transportation
Major service cuts affecting many passengers are anticipated

North County Transit District (NCTD) is working to solve many issues involving its fiscal year 2009 budget which must be approved by June in order to take effect on July 1, 2008. The month’s long effort to craft a new operating budget and plan a 5-year capital budget must also be presented to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Transportation Committee subsequent to NCTD Board of Directors approval. In accordance with state funding sources, the final NCTD operating budget must be balanced and contain no deficit spending.

Due to several converging factors, the budget picture for NCTD as well as the state’s transit industry is getting worse by the day. State economic conditions and projected revenues dedicated to transit funding are dwindling due to declining sales tax revenues. Another source of concern regarding revenues is how much the state government in Sacramento will take from transportation accounts this year to solve their widening budget gap. In past years the state has balanced their budgets by tapping funds originally designated for improving transportation infrastructure and operations. Due to reoccurring budget diversions by the state, NCTD and other transportation agencies have been thrown into annual tail spins when Sacramento finally passes a budget. This creates an environment of uncertainty for NCTD’s 12 million annual passengers, its modes of transit including buses, commuter rail, ADA mandated service and its new light rail system.

Since 2001, nearly $3 billion has been taken from the public transit account and transferred to the state’s general fund. This funding loss translates to tens of millions in lost revenue for NCTD operating and capital accounts. Last year the state acted to permanently divert 50% of the state’s “spillover” account to non-transit purposes. The “spillover” account was designed to capture excess gasoline taxes collected when gas prices are abnormally high and funnel them to transit agencies to be used to provide better service to the public and cover their higher costs of fuel – the exact situation that exists today. Due to rising fuel prices over the past five years, eleven percent of NCTD’s operating budget is now dedicated to fuel, yet this year half of the “spillover” will be shifted to the state general fund to be used for non-transit purposes. In one year the price of a gallon of fuel for the transit district has risen from $2 to $3.44 a gallon before fuel taxes. Each ten cent increase in fuel costs NCTD $280,000 a year in additional funds.

Public transit can and should be part of the solution for greenhouse gas reduction in California. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), an individual switching to public transit can reduce their yearly carbon emissions by 4,800 pounds. Last year in April, Newsweek magazine featured California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on its cover as a leading “green” proponent ready to push California to take the lead on global warming issues. Yet, funding sources specifically put in place to support public transit in California have been gutted by the environmental governor and the state legislature.

Due to higher operating costs and less certain revenue sources, NCTD is faced with budget cuts in the form of severe service reductions and must also raise fares which will hurt many passengers. All this comes at a time when consumers are feeling the effects of an economic slowdown and are looking for alternatives to driving their automobiles and doing their part to save the planet.

NCTD Chairman Ed Gallo is concerned about the annual budget and says, “the Governor’s revised budget is due May 15 and public transit agencies across the state can only hold their collective breath. They must not divert any more from transit to the general fund.” Gallo adds, “At a time when NCTD needs to create more transit options for the public, we are forced into reductions of service, thanks in part to the state’s annual diversion of our promised funds.”

For complete trip planning information via public transit in San Diego County call toll free, 511, or plan your trip on-line at: transit.511sd.com. Complete COASTER, SPRINTER and BREEZE schedules are available on NCTD's website at www.gonctd.com.

NCTD moves more than 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation for North San Diego County. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, FAST curb-to-curb transportation, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD’s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 4/09/2008
Media Alert and Neighborhood Notice: Railway Night Work to Occur in Oceanside

WHO: North County Transit District

WHAT: Replacing bridge deck, grade crossing and track cross-overs.

WHEN: Four weekends:
Friday April 11, 10:00 pm until Monday April 14, 4:00 am
Friday April 18, 10:00 pm until Monday April 21, 4:00 am
Friday April 25, 10:00 pm until Monday April 28, 4:00 am
Friday May 2, 10:00 pm until Monday May 5, 4:00 am

WHERE: In Oceanside:
1. On railroad bridge over San Luis Rey River, south of Oceanside Harbor
2. Surfrider Road Railroad Crossing
3. Track cross-overs between Oceanside Transit Center, Wisconsin Avenue and Buena Vista lagoon

DETAILS:
1. Railroad Bridge over San Luis Rey River: There will be lights at the north and south end of the bridge. Material staging will be at the south end with bridge deck timbers being removed to the north. Front-end loaders and other rail running equipment will be used. Work to occur at night.
2. Surfrider Grade Crossing Replacement: new concrete panels installed during daytime work.
3. Track cross-over daytime work Between Oceanside Transit Center and Wisconsin Avenue and miscellaneous Work form OTC to, but not in, Buena Vista Lagoon.

WHY: NCTD is replacing or upgrading railroad infrastructure that has met or exceeded its useful life as part of the State of Good Repair program. This process insures operational safety, operational reliability (schedule performance) and allows NCTD to meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulatory Standards.

NCTD apologizes in advance for any inconvenience to residents along the rail line who may be affected by this important infrastructure repair work.


OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 4/03/2008
Announcement for April 5 COASTER Service to Padres vs. Dodgers Game

North County Transit District (NCTD) will run a special COASTER train for the Saturday, April 5 Padres game due to the unique start time of 12:55 p.m. A special southbound train #686 will leave Oceanside at 11:04 a.m. and arrive in downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot) at 12:03 p.m., making all stops along the COASTER route.

The schedule for southbound train #686 is:

For the return northbound trip after the game, passengers should ride train #691 which departs downtown San Diego at 5:25 p.m. or train #693 which departs at 7:25 p.m. The final train of the day departs from downtown San Diego at 10:45 p.m.

COASTER round trip fares start at $10 for 3-zone travel and $11 for 4-zone trips. It is recommended passengers purchase a round-trip ticket for their travel, which includes transfers to the San Diego Trolley. Tickets are available at COASTER stations from ticket vending machines, however, these machines will not accept debit or credit cards on Saturday, April 5. The machines will accept cash only and dispense a maximum of $10 in change. Passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled train departure time to find parking and purchase tickets.

For complete trip planning information via public transit in San Diego County call toll free 511. The transit web sites transit.511sd.com and GoNCTD.com will be down due to a scheduled power outage on Saturday, April 5.

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. It is NCTD’s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.


OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 3/26/2008
Rely on Public Transit from North County for the 2008 Padres Season
Get to Petco Park Using the COASTER Train or BREEZE Express Buses along the inland route

North County Transit District (NCTD) will again run two transportation options for the 2008 San Diego Padres season at Petco Park. Padres fans can choose to take either the COASTER to reach every home Padres game or the BREEZE Express bus service along the inland route on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

COASTER
Special COASTER trains run for every home Padres game, including Sundays. Padres fans can reach the ballpark stress-free and without traffic by riding the COASTER to downtown San Diego's Santa Fe Depot, then transferring for free to the San Diego Trolley (with a valid COASTER ticket) for the quick ride to the Gaslamp Quarter station. When leaving Petco Park after the game, fans can use their round trip COASTER ticket for a free Trolley ride to Santa Fe Depot.

The COASTER special late-night return train from downtown San Diego will operate every Monday through Thursday evening for Padres home games played at Petco Park. These special trains will depart downtown 50 minutes after the final out of the game with an absolute departure time of 12 midnight regardless of extra innings.

For Friday night games, including the Friday, March 28 exhibition game, fans can catch the regularly scheduled Friday late night northbound COASTER train which departs Santa Fe Depot at 10:45 p.m. If Friday night games run past 9:55 p.m., the northbound return train will leave 50 minutes after the final out of the game, with an absolute departure time of 12 midnight. There will be no late night COASTER service for weekday afternoon games beginning at 12:35 p.m.

The COASTER features an expanded Saturday schedule, now with five southbound and five northbound trains. The new schedule conveniently allows for Padres fans to reach the ballpark for a 7:05 pm. Saturday game. The suggested southbound train leaves Oceanside at 5 p.m. on Saturdays, making all stops along the route, and arrives downtown at 6 p.m. For the return trip, fans can catch the regularly scheduled Saturday late night northbound COASTER train which departs Santa Fe Depot at 10:45 p.m. If Saturday night games run past 9:55 p.m., the northbound return train will leave 50 minutes after the final out of the game, with an absolute departure time of 12 midnight.

A special southbound train will run from Oceanside beginning at 11:04 a.m. for Sunday home games beginning at 1:05 p.m. This train will make all stops along the COASTER route, arriving at Santa Fe Depot at 12:03 p.m. The return northbound train will leave from downtown San Diego 50 minutes after the game is over.

Regular COASTER round trip fares start at $10 for 3-zone travel and $11 for 4-zone trips. It is recommended passengers purchase a round-trip ticket for their travel, which includes transfers to the San Diego Trolley. Tickets are available at North County COASTER stations from ticket vending machines. Discounted COASTER fares are available for seniors (ages 60 or older) and persons with disabilities. Passengers should arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled train departure time to find parking and purchase tickets. Available parking spots are easiest to find at the Oceanside and Carlsbad Village stations, with limited parking at the Carlsbad Poinsettia and Encinitas stations on weekdays.

BREEZE Express Buses
BREEZE Express buses transport North County fans along the inland route for every Friday, Saturday and Sunday Padres home games, including the exhibition game on Friday, March 28. BREEZE Express buses along the coastal route no longer operate.

The BREEZE Express buses travel along the I-15 corridor and pick up passengers at the Escondido Transit Center one hour and fifty five minutes prior to game time; Felicita Plaza one hour and forty five minutes prior; and Beethoven Park & Ride one and a half hours prior. Buses arrive at Petco Park approximately forty minutes prior to game time and depart forty five minutes after the end of a game for the return trip.

The 2008 Padres BREEZE Express bus service is currently priced at $12.00 round trip and $6.00 one-way for adults. For youth (ages 12 and under) the round trip fare is $4.00 and one-way is $2.00. Exact fares are recommended (fare boxes do not dispense change) and must be deposited upon boarding. Fare boxes accept $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills. NCTD does not accept passes, transfers, trip tickets or reduced fares on the BREEZE Express buses. No open containers or consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed in accordance with California Vehicle Code sections 23221, 23223 and PUC section 5353(e) on all NCTD Express buses.

For complete trip planning information via public transit in San Diego County call toll free, 5-1-1, or plan your trip on-line at: transit.511sd.com. Complete COASTER and BREEZE schedules and additional details about the 2008 Padres Express bus and COASTER service schedule is available on the COASTER Promo page and the BREEZE Promo page.

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. It is NCTD�s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.


OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 3/11/2008
SPRINTER Reports Successful First Day of Operations

Nearly 13,000 passengers tried out the new SPRINTER light rail during its first day of service on Sunday, March 9, reports the North County Transit District (NCTD). The first train of the day left Escondido at 4:33 a.m. with more than 100 passengers on board, including dedicated rail enthusiasts, NCTD employees and others interested in becoming a part of rail history.

The SPRINTER contract operator, Veolia Transportation, counted 12,921 passengers on 37 trains through out the day. The regular Sunday service calls for hourly trains running in each direction, but the District put an additional train into service about half way through the day due to heavy passenger loads. Although large crowds caused longer dwell times at many of the stations and led to delayed train schedules by the late afternoon, passengers seemed to have enjoyed their first ride on the light rail train.

"People were having a fabulous time on opening day and were talking about the many opportunities to ride the SPRINTER in the future," says NCTD Executive Director Karen King.

The SPRINTER is a new passenger rail system that extends 22 miles along the Highway 78 corridor, spanning the cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido. A total of 15 stations have been constructed with parking and access to other NCTD public transportation options. The project budget of $484.2 million includes right-of-way acquisition, engineering, design, construction, vehicle purchase and construction of the new 1.7-mile loop which serves the California State University San Marcos campus.

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. It is NCTD�s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 3/07/2008
SPRINTER On Track to Take First Passengers on Sunday, March 9
CPUC Today Issued Project Safety and Security Certification Verification

North County Transit District (NCTD) is cleared to begin carrying SPRINTER passengers on Sunday, March 9 after the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today provided a letter signed by Richard Clark, director, CPUC Consumer Protection and Safety Division. The letter is the final step in certifying the safety and security readiness of the system and granting NCTD final approval to operate the new SPRINTER light rail line.

CPUC oversees all light rail operations in the state of California and their approval is required prior to start up of a new light rail service. CPUC members spent the entire day touring the SPRINTER line and conducting meetings with NCTD staff on Wednesday going over final details of the SPRINTER's system safety plan.

The first revenue service SPRINTER train is scheduled to depart Escondido Transit Center Sunday morning for Oceanside at 4:33 a.m. For rail enthusiasts expected to ride the first train, it should be noted that daylight savings time begins Sunday morning at 2 a.m., so clocks need to be �sprinted� forward one hour. Trains will operate every hour on Sunday throughout the day. For complete schedules click here.

In addition to the start of revenue service for the SPRINTER, NCTD is revamping its entire BREEZE bus system to facilitate passenger connections throughout the North County service area. Beginning Sunday, March 9, the following BREEZE routes are cancelled or replaced by new routes: 320, 336/337, 344, 409 and 441, while all other existing routes will experience changes to either schedules and/or route maps. To view complete new schedules and route maps, click here or pick up a new Rider�s Guide on any BREEZE bus, at Customer Service centers or at SPRINTER stations.

For the first few weeks of service during peak hours, volunteer ambassadors will be posted at all 15 SPRINTER stations to help customers navigate the new network SPRINTER/BREEZE connections.

Construction and landscaping is nearly complete at all of the stations. However, there are some exceptions. The Nordahl Road station in Escondido will not have a completed parking lot but will be open for riders. The Escondido Avenue station in Vista will be open but passengers can only board and disembark westbound trains. A shuttle transporting passengers to and from the Vista Transit Center will be provided for passengers wishing to go eastbound toward Escondido. The shuttle will meet all eastbound trains at the Escondido Ave. station, seven days a week. Passengers on eastbound trains wishing to disembark at Escondido Avenue need to get off the train at Vista Transit Center and take the shuttle to Escondido Avenue. For passengers wishing to travel on eastbound trains from the Escondido Ave. station, it is advisable to catch an eastbound train at either the Vista Transit Center or the Buena Creek station instead.

SPRINTER fares are the same as the BREEZE bus system and all fares are interchangeable between the two systems. The following listed fares are all available for purchase from station ticket vending machines, which accept cash and credit cards. Day Passes available for $4 allowing riders to ride the BREEZE and SPRINTER all day. Senior (age 60+) or disabled riders can purchase Day Passes for $2, while children five years and younger ride the SPRINTER free of charge with a fare paying adult. Single rides are $2 for regular passengers or $1 for seniors/passengers with disabilities/Medicare card holders. Monthly passes are $54 or $16 for seniors/passengers with disabilities/Medicare card holders.

The SPRINTER is a new passenger rail system that extends 22 miles along the Highway 78 corridor, spanning the cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido. A total of 15 stations have been constructed with parking and access to other NCTD public transportation options. The project budget of $484.2 million includes right-of-way acquisition, engineering, design, construction, vehicle purchase and construction of the new 1.7-mile loop which serves the California State University San Marcos campus.

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, scheduled to begin operations on March 9, 2008. It is NCTD�s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 3/03/2008
SPRINTER Set to Begin Service Sunday, March 9

North County Transit District (NCTD) confirms that March 9, 2008 will be the start date for public service of the new SPRINTER light rail train, pending approval by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The Transit District and its contracting partners have diligently worked to complete all regulatory safety inspections and compliance approvals. Although final CPUC approval has not yet been received, it is expected prior to March 9 when revenue service is slated to commence. NCTD staff, their contractors and its Board of Directors are confident the SPRINTER will offer increased mobility and deliver a viable public transportation alternative to the automobile in North County�s Highway 78 corridor.

�Safety certification of the new light rail system has been NCTD�s number one priority during the last two months,� says NCTD Executive Director Karen King. �In addition to inspections of the 81 signal houses along the alignment, regulatory agencies have inspected the entire railroad right of way including 36 at-grade crossings and 15 stations.�

The Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains used on the SPRINTER are new to California and have lived up to all expectations. Manufactured in Germany by Siemens, the DMUs offer a smooth and comfortable ride for passengers. The vehicles have received high marks from the contract operator of the SPRINTER, Veolia Transportation, as well. The vehicles have passed every test, allowing operators to adhere to actual schedules during pre-revenue operations. The system is well suited to carry the first fare paying passengers on March 9.

The schedule for opening day on Sunday, March 9 will have SPRINTER trains operating every hour in both east/west directions, beginning with a train departing from the Escondido Transit Center at 4:33 a.m. and the final train of the day departing Oceanside Transit Center at 8:33 p.m. Parking is available at most stations in the corridor. The Monday through Friday schedule offers additional trains with 30-minute frequencies in each direction. Throughout the first weeks of operations, SPRINTER Ambassadors will be greeting first time riders at neighborhood SPRINTER stations to help introduce their neighbors to the new train.

In addition to starting the new SPRINTER service this Sunday, NCTD will implement extensive changes to the BREEZE bus network that will allow passengers to connect to the SPRINTER at most stations to get to and from the new train service. Fares are very affordable, with Day Passes available for $4 allowing riders to ride the BREEZE and SPRINTER all day. Senior or disabled riders can purchase Day Passes for $2, while children five years and younger ride the SPRINTER free of charge with a fare paying adult.

The SPRINTER is a new passenger rail system that extends 22 miles along the Highway 78 corridor, spanning the cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido. A total of 15 stations have been constructed with parking and access to other NCTD public transportation options. The project budget of $484.2 million includes right-of-way acquisition, engineering, design, construction, vehicle purchase and construction of the new 1.7-mile loop which serves the California State University San Marcos campus.

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, scheduled to begin operations on March 9, 2008. It is NCTD�s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

OCEANSIDE, Calif.; 1/25/2008
SPRINTER Revised Start Date Announced

North County Transit District (NCTD) has selected March 9, 2008 as the start date for public service of the new SPRINTER light rail train. The Transit District and its contracting partners were working in earnest to begin service in January. However, NCTD optimistically underestimated the time it would take to complete all regulatory safety inspections and compliance approvals. The March 9 start date provides adequate time to complete regulatory approvals and allows for a smooth start with plenty of advance public notice.

NCTD and its Board of Directors remain committed to delivering safe, convenient, reliable, and user-friendly public transportation services. �We want to begin offering service for passengers on the SPRINTER as soon as possible, but safety certification of the system is our current priority,� says NCTD Executive Director Karen King. �When passengers board the SPRINTER for the first time, we know they�ll be impressed with the convenience and comfort of the train, and we hope it will be worth the wait.�

The reasons for this delay are numerous. Diesel Multiple Unit trains, such as the SPRINTER, have never been operated before in California and therefore, both state and federal regulatory agencies have understandably employed a high level of scrutiny during inspections. While the safety certification is underway and is progressing smoothly, NCTD has chosen this start date to comfortably provide time to address their requests.

Even with this new start date, there may be some landscaping and other tasks that will need to be completed after operations begin. One technical issue that will not likely be resolved is the eastbound platform at the Escondido Avenue (Vista) station. A modification to adjust the station platforms to more accurately line-up with vehicle doors is presently underway. Passengers will be transported to/from this station for all eastbound trips via bus which will be in place when the SPRINTER service begins on March 9. It is anticipated that the eastbound Escondido Avenue station will be fully functional by late spring 2008.

The revised start date will offer the operations contractor for the SPRINTER added time to test the operating schedule to ensure a reliable service for our customers. A March 9 start date provides train operators and dispatchers with additional hands-on training.

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, scheduled to begin operations on March 9, 2008. It is NCTD�s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

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