In Transit Customer Newsletters 2010

Spring 2010	English In Transit Spring 2010 Spanish En Tránsito Primavera de 2010

News / Press Releases 2010

08/11/2010

NCTD Awarded $1.53 Million Homeland Security Grant Grant funds support NCTD’s strategy to develop and implement innovative security technologies.   OCEANSIDE, CA. – North County Transit District (NCTD) announced today the award of a $1.53 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  The DHS grant supports NCTD’s plans to develop and implement innovative security technologies for COASTER commuter rail and our other physical security systems.    The DHS grant will help improve the agency’s access control systems, harden its critical assets, and ensure the seamless integration of newer security technologies with legacy systems. Angela Miller, NCTD’s Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, explains the DHS grant will build on the robust security already in place by strengthening the backbone and capabilities of the entire system.   The grant will also support the implementation of technologically-advanced video analytics to enhance surveillance by observing and highlighting anomalies in an image - like an unattended backpack left by a passenger waiting on a train platform.  Detecting incidents like these at the earliest possible stage improves overall system security and protects NCTD's customers.   “Everyday our passengers travel between work, home, and school on one of the safest transit systems in the country. DHS has once again recognized our COASTER commuter rail line as an important regional asset and showcase for the industry.  We are excited about the opportunity to use technology to bolster NCTD’s critical infrastructure protection program,” Ms. Miller said.

06/24/2010

NCTD Expands Fourth of July Service to Save Customers Time Declare your independence from traffic congestion by riding public transit OCEANSIDE, June 24 -- Why waste precious holiday weekend minutes stuck in traffic? The North County Transit District (NCTD) will offer plenty of options for getting around this Fourth of July weekend, with convenient services offered on BREEZE buses, COASTER and SPRINTER trains. Special COASTER service on Sunday, July 4 makes it easy to get to a Padres game, a favorite beach destination or the San Diego County Fair. (See below July 4 COASTER schedule). The expanded service will feature seven southbound and seven northbound trains, including two additional night trains to get customers home after the San Diego County Fair fireworks. Headed to the beach? Both COASTER and SPRINTER trains and select BREEZE bus routes provide convenient access to North County beaches. Customers may bring along bikes and surfboards less than six feet in length. The COASTER will operate its regular schedule on Saturday, July 3 and Monday, July 5. BREEZE buses and SPRINTER trains will operate normal schedules throughout the holiday weekend. As a reminder, NCTD operates BREEZE bus routes from Escondido and Solana Beach to the San Diego County Fair. NCTD observes Monday, July 5 as an administrative holiday; therefore, customer service locations in Oceanside, Vista and Escondido will be closed. Customers can visit www.GoNCTD.com or call 511 for assistance with trip planning. Special COASTER Schedule for Sunday July 4, 2010 * Trains #695 & 698 hold at Solana Beach until 10:15 p.m. to pick up customers from San Diego Fair Shuttle Buses. NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

06/15/2010

NCTD Customer Service Relocates to Oceanside Transit Center New “Oceanside Transit Store” now conveniently located in the heart of busy transit center OCEANSIDE, June 15 -- This week the North County Transit District (NCTD) opened a new office at the Oceanside Transit Center. Now called the Oceanside Transit Store, the office will be staffed by members of NCTD’s customer service team. “Improving the customer experience is one of the top priorities of NCTD’s Executive Board. The new Oceanside Transit Store is conveniently located in the heart of North County’s busiest transit center, which serves as our main hub for the BREEZE, COASTER and SPRINTER lines of service. In addition to transit pass sales, our customer service team will be on hand to answer questions and assist passengers with trip planning,” says NCTD Executive Director Matthew Tucker.   NCTD customer service will continue to staff the Escondido Transit Center Monday through Friday and the Vista Transit Center during peak pass sale periods.   The new Oceanside Transit Store is located in the remodeled Greyhound office on the eastern end of the transit center, near the intersections of South Tremont and West Topeka streets. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Oceanside Transit Store offers monthly pass sales, information about the transit system, and reduced fare pass sales for eligible customers. NCTD’s customer service team can be reached at (760) 966-6500. Customers can also visit www.GoNCTD.com or call 511 for assistance with trip planning. The customer service center located at NCTD’s headquarters on Mission Avenue in Oceanside will close permanently on Monday, June 21st. The customer service window on the bus island at the Oceanside Transit Center is closed for a period of approximately 30 days to undergo remodeling. NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

05/25/2010

NCTD Donates 12 Retired Paratransit Vehicles to Community Organizations Vehicles to benefit community groups who transport people with disabilities, senior citizens and low income populations OCEANSIDE, May 25 -- The North County Transit District (NCTD) recently donated 12 retired paratransit vehicles to Full Access & Coordinated Transportation, Inc. (FACT) to support shared transit services for people with disabilities, seniors and low income populations. These vehicles were made formally available to governmental and non-profit service providers in San Diego County through a lottery program in April 2010. The lottery was held at the FACT board meeting on April 14 and the following 12 organizations were randomly selected and awarded one paratransit vehicle each: Chabad of Poway, Rancho Bernardo Senior Center, Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside, Media Arts Center San Diego, TERI, Inc., North County Solutions for Change, Ramona Unified School District, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito, Green Oak Ranch Ministries, Inc., Bread of Life, Inc., North County Lifeline, Inc., and From the Inside Out, Inc. “We are thrilled to be a recipient of a donated van from NCTD and FACT,” says Laura White, director of development from TERI, Inc., a North County non-profit that serves individuals with disabilities. “TERI, Inc. moves up to 600 individuals each day. This donation helps keep our operating expenses down and improves the quality of life for these individuals.” These organizations provide services within NCTD’s service area and will use the vehicles to help transport their clients in North County. By supporting these organizations, NCTD is fulfilling its vision to build an integrated transit system throughout the North County area. “The FACT Board of Directors and staff are proud to be partners with NCTD and the community in improving mobility in our region,” said Arun Prem, FACT executive director. “The donation of 12 small buses is a win-win for transit and specialized transportation. The additional transportation provided will supplement transit and enhance overall mobility for our community. We would like to congratulate the recipients and thank them for responding to our outreach.” The vehicles, according to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines for public transit agencies, had surpassed their useful life of at least five years of age and/or more than 150,000 miles. NCTD’s paratransit vehicles had formally operated as LIFT minibuses and all had more than 200,000 miles or been operating for more than five years. About North County Transit District NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services. About Full Access and Coordinated Transportation (FACT) FACT is a non-profit corporation formed in 2005 through the actions of members of the San Diego community. FACT is committed to promoting transportation services for all residents of San Diego County and especially for seniors, people with disabilities and individuals with low income. More information can be found at www.FactSD.org or contact FACT at (760) 643-4081.

05/19/2010

Two-for-One Day Passes on SPRINTER and BREEZE Provide Easy Access to Vista Strawberry Festival Arrive at the Vista Strawberry Festival or 5K Running Event Safely, Quickly and with Friends OCEANSIDE, May 19 -- North County Transit District (NCTD) will continue its weekend two-for-one fare special for SPRINTER and BREEZE customers through the end of May. The Memorial Day weekend’s featured destination is the Vista Strawberry Festival in downtown Vista on Sunday, May 30. Approximately 15,000 people are expected to attend the Strawberry Festival, leading to increased traffic along Highway 78 and surrounding roadways. SPRINTER and BREEZE customers can avoid the traffic and parking headaches while relaxing with their friends onboard the bus or train. The event is within walking distance from the Vista Transit Center. The Vista Strawberry Festival will take place in downtown Vista on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature many fun activities such as carnival rides, a “Strawberry Idol” karaoke contest, strawberry sumo wrestling, street vendors, a beer garden and food court. The event is sponsored by the Vista Village Business Association and the Vista Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.vistastrawberryfest.com. NCTD is offering a special two-for-one fare promotion on the SPRINTER rail line and the BREEZE bus system every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of May. For just the cost of one $5 Day Pass, two customers can conveniently reach their destination on both modes. The Day Pass includes unlimited travel on both SPRINTER trains and BREEZE buses throughout the day. The day pass can be purchased from a SPRINTER station ticket vending machine or on board a BREEZE bus. As a reminder, children 5 and under always ride for free onboard all NCTD trains and buses. Additional events are listed online at: http://gonctd.com/calendar.htm. For complete trip planning information or more details about two-for-one SPRINTER/BREEZE fares, call toll free 511 or visit GoNCTD.com. NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

05/10/2010

Two-for-One Day Passes on SPRINTER and BREEZE Go to the Escondido Street Fair and Bring a Friend for Free OCEANSIDE, May 10 -- On Sunday, May 16 customers can take advantage of two-for-one fares on the SPRINTER and BREEZE for travel to the Escondido Street Fair in downtown Escondido. The family-friendly street fair is the second largest in California. The event features a farmers’ market, international food and live entertainment. The fair takes place on Grand Avenue between Centre City and Ivy from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is sponsored by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association. North County Transit District (NCTD) will offer a special two-for-one fare promotion on the SPRINTER rail line and the BREEZE bus system every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of May. For just the cost of one $5 Day Pass, riders can conveniently reach their destination on both modes. The Day Pass includes unlimited travel on both SPRINTER trains and BREEZE buses throughout the day. The day pass can be purchased from a SPRINTER station ticket vending machine or on board a BREEZE bus. As a reminder, children 5 and under can always ride for free on all NCTD trains and buses. Additional events are listed online at: http://gonctd.com/calendar.htm. For complete trip planning information or more details about two-for-one SPRINTER/BREEZE fares, call toll free 511 or visit GoNCTD.com. NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

05/05/2010

North County Transit District’s Angela Miller to receive 2010 “Cox Business Exemplary Award” San Diego Business Journal’s 3rd Annual Information Technology Executive of the Year Awards to be held on May 6 OCEANSIDE, May 5 -- The North County Transit District today announced that Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer Angela K. Miller will be awarded the “Cox Business Exemplary Award” at the San Diego Business Journal’s 3rd Annual Information Technology Executive of the Year event on Thursday, May 6. The Information Technology Executive Awards recognize the outstanding information technology executives who work in San Diego. The finalists were selected by an independent panel of judges. Since her arrival at the North County Transit District a little more than two years ago, Miller has transformed the function of NCTD’s information technology department. Not only did she overhaul and update NCTD’s entire network infrastructure, she also implemented a technology recycling program, managed the installment of NCTD’s first solar system, and built one of the public transit industry’s first Green Data Centers. The data center will provide a 15-year return on investment based on energy savings. Miller’s passion is combining sustainability and information technology. She has brought in more than $4 million in competitive grant funds, and made NCTD a showcase for new technologies in areas ranging from security to operations. “From day one, Ms. Miller dedicated herself to improving NCTD’s technology and our overall sustainability,” said Executive Director Matt Tucker. “Because of her hard work and leadership in the department, our technology not only reduces our environmental impact, but also our overall expenses.” 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, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD’s mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

04/29/2010

Experience the Benefits of Train Travel on May 8, National Train Day North County Transit District celebrates with two-for-one fares offered all day on COASTER and SPRINTER trains North County Transit District (NCTD) on Saturday, May 8, will join Amtrak and hundreds of rail agencies throughout the United States to celebrate National Train Day. NCTD will host a free event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oceanside Transit Center and offer two-for-one fares on the COASTER and SPRINTER all day. The fare specials allow every customer who purchases a COASTER ticket or SPRINTER $5 Day Pass the ability to bring along a second passenger for free. The North County Model Railroad Society will display an interactive model railroad at the transit center for COASTER and SPRINTER riders, rail enthusiasts and community members to enjoy. In addition, NCTD and Operation Lifesaver will distribute promotional giveaways. “Every day is a train day to us at North County Model Railroad Society,” said Al Cuevas, NCMRS president. “We look forward to sharing our love of trains and railways with other San Diegans on May 8.” NCTD’s COASTER and SPRINTER lines create a multi-regional network that plays a vital role in San Diego’s transportation system. The trains provide safe and reliable access to North County’s largest higher education institutions, employment centers, popular beaches and shopping centers. This is the third annual National Train Day hosted by Amtrak. It commemorates the 141st anniversary of the first transcontinental railroad’s inception by hosting family-friendly events coast-to-coast in cities throughout the nation. For more information on National Train Day visit www.nationaltrainday.com. NCTD will continue the celebration by offering the special two-for-one promotional SPRINTER and BREEZE $5 Day Passes every Saturday and Sunday for the entire month of May. The COASTER two-for-one promotional offering is valid only on Saturday, May 8. For complete trip planning information or more details about two-for-one fares, call toll free 511 or visit GoNCTD.com. NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services. Click here to download the flyer.

04/27/2010

Two-for-One Day Passes on SPRINTER and BREEZE Help Customers Save Money Promotion to be Offered Every Saturday and Sunday in May North County Transit District (NCTD) will offer a special two-for-one promotion on the SPRINTER rail line and the BREEZE bus system every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of May.  For just the cost of one $5 Day Pass, customers can enjoy unlimited travel throughout the day for two people on both modes.  The SPRINTER and BREEZE bus promotion allows riders to conveniently reach their destination at a discounted price. The $5 Day Pass can be purchased from a SPRINTER station ticket vending machine or on board a BREEZE bus. As a reminder, children 5 and under can always ride for free on all NCTD trains and buses. On Sunday, May 2 customers can take advantage of two-for-one fares on the SPRINTER and BREEZE for travel to the Cinco de Mayo celebration, “Fiesta en la Playa,” at the Oceanside Pier. The event is one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in North County. The celebration is hosted by Univision KBNT-TV and features traditional food and family entertainment, information and giveaways from various sponsors. The Oceanside Transit Center is located just blocks from the Oceanside Pier. In the month of May, the following events are also accessible by NCTD’s public transit services: Date Event May 1 Oceanside Police Surf Contest May 2 Carlsbad Village Street Faire May 8 National Train Day (2-for-1 COASTER fares also offered) May 15 Operation Appreciation May 15 – 16 Oceanside Beach Soccer Festival May 16 Escondido Street Faire May 22 Sun Diego Surf Contest, Oceanside May 30 Vista Strawberry Festival Additional events are listed online at: http://gonctd.com/calendar.htm. Click here to download the flyer. For complete trip planning information or more details about two-for-one SPRINTER/BREEZE fares, call toll free 511 or visit GoNCTD.com. NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

04/21/2010

NCTD Sustainability Programs Protect the Environment and Reduce Energy Consumption District encourages public to make a once-a-week Earth Day pledge The North County Transit District (NCTD) is recognizing Earth Day 2010 with an aggressive sustainability campaign that will yield major environmental benefits by the end of the year. The two-part program includes extensive solar improvements at District facilities and challenges the public to ride public transit at least once a week as part of their personal sustainability goals. With funds received through a $2 million federal grant, NCTD has developed a comprehensive solar program that will include the following system upgrades: • A 500-kilowatt solar panel system at facilities in Escondido and Oceanside that will offset power used at SPRINTER and BREEZE bus maintenance facilities • Testing solar technology in the rail right-of-way in space that cannot be utilized for other purposes • Rooftop solar panels at District administrative facilities, which will offset power used at those locations • Solar carports and solar-powered vehicle charging units at various transit stations, available at no charge to monthly pass customers. The $2 million grant was made possible by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act’s Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction program. Many of these installations will be the first in the nation and will demonstrate the feasibility of similar uses by other rail agencies. The District also intends to pursue private partnerships to expand solar power generation. In addition to its solar program, NCTD recently completed one of the public transit industry’s first Green Data Centers. The data center will reduce the District’s energy demand by more than 30 percent a year. For this work, NCTD has registered for and anticipates receiving a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification for Commercial Interior Spaces. When awarded, the Data Center will be the first in San Diego County to achieve this certification. “North County Transit District is committed to a long-term sustainability plan that will both decrease our environmental impact and reduce our operating expenses,” said Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer Angela Miller. “We recently signed the American Public Transportation Association’s Commitment to Sustainability, and will measure our progress with performance goals like reduced energy costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, decreased waste, transit-oriented design and increased renewable energy generation.” In the spirit of sustainability, the District also encourages the public to recognize Earth Day by taking mass transit as least once a week as part of a personal sustainability program. Taking public transportation helps improve air quality by reducing pollution and gas consumption. Compared with private vehicles, public transportation produces significantly less emissions. In fact, more than half of NCTD BREEZE buses operate on compressed natural gas, and NCTD SPRINTER trains are powered by high efficiency diesel engines, which comply with strict emission standards. NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

04/16/2010

TWO-FOR-ONE COASTER TICKETS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 24 FOR THE ENCINITAS STREET FAIR New online events calendar highlights fun community activities accessible by public transit in North County On Saturday, April 24 the COASTER train will offer two-for-one fares so customers can conveniently and affordably travel to the Encinitas Street Fair. The promotional offer is valid all day on April 24, on all COASTER trains. More than 100,000 people are expected to visit the street fair so parking will be a challenge. The street fair will feature 450 arts and craft vendors, four live stages, and rides for children, as well as a beer garden. The street fair is organized by the Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association. For more information, visit http://www.encinitas101.com/events/26th-annual-streetfair/. The COASTER promotion lets riders experience the beautiful COASTER train at a discounted price. Prices range from $10 to $13 for a round trip ticket for two people. Customers simply purchase a single COASTER one-way or round trip ticket from a machine at any COASTER station and a second companion rides along free. As a reminder, children 5 and under are always free on board all trains. The Encinitas COASTER station is located at D Street and Vulcan Avenue. The street fair takes place on April 24 and April 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Highway 101 between D and J Streets. The COASTER does not run on Sundays. On Sunday, attendees can reach the street fair aboard NCTD’s BREEZE buses. Bus routes 101 and 309 serve Encinitas on Sundays. For complete trip planning information or more details about 2-for-1 fares, call toll free 511 or visit GoNCTD.com. View the list of other special promotions and events accessible by NCTD’s transit services online at: http://gonctd.com/calendar.htm NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

03/31/2010

COASTER Trains - the Fun and Convenient Way to Get Downtown for Padres Games Don't miss a minute of the action this season at Petco Park! North County Transit District (NCTD) will again run COASTER trains for all 2010 San Diego Padres home games. The new COASTER schedule begins Monday, April 5 and includes 2010 Padres season train times. COASTER trains run for every home Padres game, including special trains on 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 round trip 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. COASTER northbound trains run from downtown San Diego for Padres home games. These special trains depart downtown 50 minutes after the final out of the game or special event with an absolute departure time of 12 midnight. After Friday night games, 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. New this season are Padres weekday games that begin at 3:35 p.m. The COASTER will operate a special southbound train that leaves Oceanside at 1:45 pm and arrives at Santa Fe Depot by 2:42 p.m. This train will not stop at the Old Town station. Effective April 5, for the Spring/Summer season, the COASTER's new schedule features expanded Saturday service with six southbound and six northbound trains. The new schedule conveniently allows for Padres fans to reach the ballpark for a 5:35 pm. Saturday game. The suggested southbound train leaves Oceanside at 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays, making all stops along the route, and arrives downtown at 4:31 p.m. For the return trip, fans can catch a specially-scheduled Saturday northbound COASTER train which departs Santa Fe Depot 50 minutes after the end of the Padres game. A special southbound train will run from Oceanside beginning at 11:08 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 12:11 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 $12 for 3-zone travel and $13 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 to their station at least 20 minutes before the scheduled train departure time to find parking and purchase tickets. The COASTER will operate with an expanded Saturday schedule on Independence Day, Sunday, July 4, 2010 to serve patrons reaching the San Diego County Fair and the Padres game. NCTD no longer operates its Padres BREEZE Express bus service from Escondido. For trip planning and complete schedules, maps and fare information call 511 or visit GoNCTD.com. NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

02/26/2010

COASTER Crawl and Anniversary Events for Feb. 27 WHO: North County Transit District (NCTD) WHY: NCTD invites the community to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the COASTER train with a "COASTER Crawl" on Saturday, February 27. Not even damp weather will ruin our party - this event will take place rain or shine! WHERE: Oceanside Transit Center at 195 S. Tremont Street, Oceanside, CA 92054 Carlsbad Village Station at 2775 State Street , Carlsbad, CA 92008 Encinitas Station at 25 East "D" Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 Solana Beach Station at 105 N. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075 WHEN: Saturday, February 27, approximately 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with most events taking place mid-day. DETAILS: NCTD and its community partners have scheduled live entertainment and small-scale farmer's market events at the stations. Volunteers will be on hand to offer giveaways. In addition, merchants in the downtown areas of the host cities will offer special promotions to COASTER riders. For more details and merchant offers, visit http://gonctd.com/coaster_promo.htm to download the event flyer. MEDIA CONTACT: for press interviews, contact Sarah Benson at 760-801-0028.

02/22/2010

North County Merchants Celebrate COASTER Anniversary Sixty retailers along COASTER corridor offer discounts and giveaways to riders on Saturday, February 27 February 27 marks the 15th anniversary of COASTER service in San Diego County. To celebrate this milestone, the North County Transit District (NCTD) is partnering with the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association, Leucadia-Encinitas Highway 101 MainStreet Association, the Carlsbad Village Association, MainStreet Oceanside and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce to host the "COASTER Crawl." The "COASTER Crawl" is a progressive event that will carry riders, with special two-for-one train fares, to Oceanside, Carlsbad Village, Encinitas and Solana Beach. NCTD and its partners have scheduled entertainment at the stations including dueling guitarists at the Oceanside Transit Center and a small-scale farmer's market at the Carlsbad Village COASTER station. In addition, merchants in the downtown areas of the host cities will offer special promotions to COASTER riders that day. Offers include free admission to the California Surf Museum in Oceanside and other discounts at participating restaurants and stores that are within walking distance of the stations. "The COASTER Crawl is more than a ride along America's most beautiful rail line," said Rick Wright, executive director of MainStreet Oceanside. "It's a chance for San Diegans to get out of their cars and visit some of the most walkable and vibrant communities in our county." The 15th Anniversary COASTER Crawl will use the regular Saturday COASTER schedule and will feature special events at the Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad Village and Oceanside Transit Center stations. Round trip fare all day long is $10 to $13 for two people depending on the zones and half price for seniors age 60 and over. Simply buy one ticket for two riders from machines at the station. No reservations are necessary; however space is limited on trains. Saturday, February 27 Coaster Schedule For complete trip planning information, call toll free 511 or visit GoNCTD.com. NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.

02/08/2010

NCTD Invites North County to a Four-City Celebration Transit district marks the 15th anniversary of the COASTER premium rail service The North County Transit District (NCTD) invites the community to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the COASTER train with a "COASTER Crawl" on Saturday, February 27. The event will carry customers to the rail line's northern stations in Oceanside, Carlsbad Village, Encinitas and Solana Beach where merchants will offer special COASTER Anniversary product promotions. As an added incentive, on Saturday, February 27 a second COASTER customer can ride free when accompanying a fare-paying customer or monthly pass holder. This two-for-one promotion runs for the entire day. It allows a family of four to travel round-trip (four zones) for just $26 -offering a 50 percent discount. "North County's coastal communities are walkable and are easily accessible from COASTER stations," said Dave Roberts, an NCTD director and Solana Beach City Councilman. "My five kids and I love to ride the COASTER. This event provides a special opportunity for families from neighboring areas to hop a train, discover a range of interesting retailers and activities, have a bite to eat at a great local restaurant and then continue up and down the line." The 15th Anniversary COASTER Crawl will use the regular Saturday COASTER schedule and will feature special events at the Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad Village and Oceanside Transit Center stations. Round trip fare all day long is $10 to $13 for two people depending on the zones. Simply buy one ticket for two riders from machines at the station. No reservations are necessary; however space is limited on trains. "Business owners in Carlsbad Village are delighted to have an opportunity to partner with North County Transit District in a triple-win situation," said Robin Young, executive director of the Carlsbad Village Association. "NCTD will attract some new riders, we'll have some new visitors to the Village and the customers will have a great day in four terrific cities." The event is sponsored by the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association, Leucadia-Encinitas Highway 101 MainStreet Association, the Carlsbad Village Association, MainStreet Oceanside and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. Saturday, February 27 Coaster Schedule For complete trip planning information, call toll free 511 or visit GoNCTD.com. NCTD serves 12 million passengers annually by providing public transportation within North San Diego County and via the COASTER to downtown San Diego. Its family of transit services currently includes the BREEZE bus system, the COASTER commuter rail service, LIFT paratransit and the SPRINTER light rail. It is NCTD's mission to deliver safe, convenient, reliable and user-friendly public transportation services.