North County Transit District-We Move People

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Background

The North County Transit District owns and maintains over 80 miles of railroad track along the SDNR. The SDNR is the San Diego Northern Railroad and is a part of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor between San Diego, Los Angeles & beyond. It carries Amtrak, Metrolink, Sprinter & Coaster passenger trains & BNSF freight trains. Along with Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino we are the second busiest rail corridor in the nation. Second only to the Northeast corridor: Boston, New York and Washington D.C. NCTD operates two subdivisions; The San Diego Subdivision and The Escondido Subdivision. It is important to know both subdivisions are ALWAYS under construction. Both subdivisons fall under strict Government Regulation.

The San Diego Subdivision is 61 miles stretching from Orange County Line to downtown San Diego. Maximum passenger train speed is 90 MPH and maximum freight train speed is 55 MPH. There are 60 or more passenger & freight train movements each day. This subdivision services Coaster, Metrolink, Amtrak, Sprinter, and BNSF Freight Trains.

The Escondido Subdivision is 22 miles stretching from Oceanside to Escondido. Maximum passenger train speed is 55 MPH and maximum freight train speed is 30 MPH. This subdivision services the Sprinter and BNSF Freight Trains daily.

The NCTD Right of Way is the property along these subdivisions above or below ground which also includes bridges, railroad structures, stations, parking lots, fences, signs, etc. Any work done within the right of way requires special training, permits, licenses, or leases. This page is a guide for anyone planning on working on or around our right of way.

Right of Way Permits, Licenses, and Leases

North County Transit District falls under strict government rules and regulations. For all work on, near, or around the ROW requires a Right of Entry permit.

Permits

Once NCTD reviews and approves the construction or access plans, collects the required fees and deposit, receives evidence of sufficient liability insurance, and all workers have attended the required railroad safety class, NCTD issues a right of entry permit to the contractor so the work may be performed. Contractor's work must be coordinated with railroad projects and other third party projects in the area.

Licenses

Every permanent facility such as a pipeline, roadway, or parking lot, constructed or installed over, under, or upon railroad property is done so pursuant to a License Agreement. After plans have been reviewed and stamped by our engineer, all fees have been paid, and prior to issuing a permit, NCTD and the city, utility company or entity who owns the facility sign the Llicense Agreement.

Leases

NCTD property is available on a case by case basis for short and long-term leases. NCTD's Board of Directors' Comprehensive Real Estate Asset Management Policy and Plan requires NCTD to receive fair market value for the use of its property. Proposed uses will be evaluated and considered to the extent they do not conflict with current or future railroad operations or business development objectives.

To get started with the permitting process open and complete the 'Standard Permit Application' attachment along the right hand side of this page under the Permits, Licenses, and Leases section.

NCTD Railroad Contractor Safety Training

Thank you for your interest in Railroad Contractor Safety Training. NCTD offers Railroad Contractor Safety Training via an online presentation. The presentation last approximately a half an hour and is followed by a short ten question quiz. The online presentation covers required safety material for contractors working on or near railroad property. Please see 'Steps to Safety Training (PDF)' for steps to complete the online safety training.

To access the presentation click the link:

Play Contractor Safety Training Presentation

In special cases, we will offer class session for groups of thirty or more (30+) that need safety training or need to renew safety training. These class sessions can be held at our office or at your desired location. Please see 'Steps to Safety Training (PDF)' for all inquiries regarding the cost of each training class.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact one of the listed contacts.