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Buses on shoulders -
a smooth ride
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Westbound widening of SR 52 set to begin
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Meth costly for San Diego region rule
San Diego companies shine as Best Workplaces for Commuters
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Funding for low income and disabled transportation services rule
New SPRINTER vehicles tested
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Smart growth is a smart move
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SANDAG Board Actions available online
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   the rEgion
 

SPRINTER track in Escondido sees first vehicles

SPRINTER

The North County Transit District (NCTD) SPRINTER light rail project moves another step forward as testing of the vehicles, known as Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), advances to a new phase. Beginning Friday, October 27, the DMUs began operating on 3,000 feet of track near the line’s Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Escondido. This first phase of vehicle testing will not cross streets, and will be limited to the short section of completed track between Hale Avenue and West Valley Parkway.

“This milestone brings us one step closer to SPRINTER operations and realizing our ultimate dream of moving more people in and around North County,” said Jerome Stocks, NCTD Chair. “The SPRINTER vehicles are representative of the quality of this new transportation project for North County – they are well made, sleek, modern and efficient. I am pleased to have been part of such a great investment on the part of our community.” Stocks, a City of Encinitas Councilmember, also represents NCTD on the SANDAG Board of Directors.

Ten of the 12 SPRINTER DMUs have arrived in Escondido, with the final two still en route from their German-based supplier. The vehicles, manufactured by Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc., take a month to reach the United States by ship and truck. It is expected that within the next month, SPRINTER vehicle testing will be extended to Rancheros Drive in San Marcos.

The 40,000-square-foot SPRINTER Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Escondido, which began construction nearly one year ago, is almost completed. The facility should be in operation by December 31, 2006, three months ahead of schedule. Vehicles are undergoing final assembly and are being stored at the facility. When SPRINTER operations begin in December 2007, the site will serve as the central location for dispatch and security, a fueling depot, a train wash facility, and various administrative offices.

The SPRINTER is a new passenger rail system that will extend 22 miles along the State Route 78 corridor, spanning the cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido. Fifteen stations are being constructed with parking, and access to other NCTD public transportation and passenger amenities.

Project Managers:
Don Bullock, NCTD Manager of Capital Projects and Construction
dbullock@nctd.org, (760) 737-8625 x257

Linda Culp, Senior Transportation Planner
lcu@sandag.org, (619) 699-6957