Escondido Real Estate

The Sprinter takes Off In Escondido

Like the giddy owners of a slick, new car, North County Transit District officials showed off a sparkling Sprinter train at a Tuesday ceremony for invited guests. To the theme song from the movie "Rocky," a bay door opened and out rolled the Desiro Classic Diesel Multiple Unit. "For the first time on the North American shores," announced transit district board Chairman Jerome Stocks, "We have the Sprinter train."

• What is the Sprinter? The Sprinter rail line began service on March 9, 2008, providing San Diego North County with an east-west mass transit rail link between Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido.

• Where does the Sprinter run? The Sprinter runs 22 miles along the Highway 78 corridor transporting passengers to work, school, shopping centers and other activities. Sprinter has direct service to CSU San Marcos (CSU San Marcos station) and has connection service to Palomar College and Mira Costa College.

• How long does riding the Sprinter take? Sprinter features short, convenient trips to 15 stations; average 3-5 minutes between stations. The 22-mile long rail line is 53 minutes travel time from end to end.

• When does the Sprinter run? Passenger service runs seven days a week; weekday service every 30 minutes in each direction, from approximately 4 am to 8 pm. Weekend trains operate every hour in both directions. The Sprinter makes 64 trips daily on weekdays. The $440 million Sprinter project features stops in Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista and Oceanside

• Is the Sprinter like the San Diego Trolley? It is similar. The Sprinter is a sleek, quiet and efficient transportation system. These trains are smaller and much quieter than the Coaster commuter trains. Trains are comfortable and bright inside with maximum capacity of 452 passengers. The Sprinter trains travel at a maximum speed of 55 mph.

• How much does it cost to ride the Sprinter? The Sprinter offers affordable flat fare: basic fare is $2 one-way (ages 6 and above). Day passes are $4. Tickets and passes will be available for purchase through Ticket Vending Machines at stations.

• Does the Sprinter connect to other public transit systems? Yes, depending on your station, the Sprinter connects to the North County Transit's Breeze bus system (all stations), the Coaster and Metrolink train systems, and San Diego's MTS buses.

• Is there parking available? Free parking lots are available at all stations except the Cal State San Marcos Station. Check with the San Marcos Civic Center for parking options and time limits at the parking garage located near the Civic Center station.

• How to ride the SprinterSprinter rides will be priced by either one-way trips or Day Passes or round-trips. Tickets will be sold through station Ticket Vending Machines for one-way trips, Day Passes and monthly passes. Sprinter Ticket Vending Machines will be similar to those machines currently being used at San Diego Trolley and Coaster stations.

Step 1: Find your station using the station map.
Step 2: Find your departure time using the schedule.
Step 3: Buy and ticket or pass at the Ticket Vending Machine

You must have your ticket in hand when boarding the train. Arrive at your station ten minutes before your train departure time.

Bikes, wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. All trains, stations and platforms are accessible to individuals with disabilities. All doors will provide level boarding for ease of entry and exit. Each Sprinter train will hold up to four passengers in mobility devices. Passengers in mobility devices do not need to strap or buckle into the train.

 

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