The Telescope

Issue Date: 9/29/08

Questions raised about Sprinter safety

By Susan Ramierez

Media Credit: Yukie Zuill Freshman psycology major, Rachael Moore, commutes to school on the Sprinter from Nordal station every morning.

One question at the forefront of Sprinter rider's minds in light of the tragedy that occurred in Los Angeles recently when a Metrolink train and a freight train collided resulting in fatalities and numerous injuries is whether such a terrible accident could happen with the Sprinter.
According to Tom Kelleher, Manager of Marketing and Communications for the North County Transit District, the answer is "never."
"That will never happen on the Sprinter line because the Sprinter operates during the day and the freights at night," Kelleher said. "They are never on the line at the same time, avoiding any chance of a collision."
For the most part the Sprinter has received positive feedback from riders, however many riders still have concerns.
The fares were raised in July, after only about four months of service but the Sprinter still has not exceeded revenue expectations. However now that school is back in scession, the number of riders is expected to increase considerably.
Yet the Sprinter will still cost the city money to maintain.
"The fares paid by riders on public transit generally cover only 25 percent of the cost to provide the service," Kelleher said. It will be a while longer before definitive numbers will be available.
Juan Serna, a Palomar staff member who travels from Oceanside, indicated that while he was not affected by the July fare increase, he is concerned that the connections between the Sprinter and buses do not always coincide so he is chooses to walk rather than wait up to 45 minutes for the next bus.
Eric McGill, an intern at Palomar College Radio and Television who rides from Melrose, expressed a concern regarding how late the trains run since he often has to stay late at the college.
When asked about an increase in the number of trains, Kelleher indicated that until a double track was built along the entire corridor, increasing the number of trains would not be possible.
However riders commented on the cleanliness of the cars, the fact that the ride was quiet and fast and that it was a valuable alternative to trying to find parking at Palomar.

Continued...

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