Sprinter (rail service)

Sprinter is the first passenger train service along the Escondido Branch since the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway discontinued passenger service in 1946. Originally built in 1888, the entire line had to be rebuilt to accommodate more traffic and be elevated because the line runs along a river.{{Cite journal |last=Cotey |first=Angela |date=January 2008 |title=San Diego's North County Transit District launches SPRINTER light-rail service |url=http://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/article/Full-speed-ahead-for-San-Diegos-SPRINTER--14634 |journal=Progressive Railroading |access-date=October 25, 2014}}

The funding for Sprinter originated with the TransNet Tax (Proposition C) measure passed by San Diego County voters in 1987 to relieve traffic congestion. A third of the tax was dedicated to mass transit.{{Cite web |title=Transnet Tax for Congestion Relief |url=http://thumper.tmisnet.com/~strads/transnet/transnet.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203132559/http://thumper.tmisnet.com/~strads/transnet/transnet.html |archive-date=December 3, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2011 |website=Thumper.tmisnet.com}}{{Cite web |year=2005 |title=San Diego At a Glance – Annual Fiscal Year 2005 Budget |url=http://www.sandiego.gov/fm/annual/pdf/fy05/06v1glance.pdf |access-date=July 28, 2013 |publisher=City of San Diego }} The $477 million project also was funded through a $152 million Full Funding Grant Agreement from the Federal Transit Administration.

NCTD purchased the line in 1992 from the Santa Fe Railroad. As Sprinter was officially “founded” in 2005, Construction started on the line that same year and was scheduled for completion in December 2007. The Sprinter was previewed on December 28, 2007,{{Cite news |last=Burge |first=Michael |date=December 29, 2007 |title=Oceanside-to-Escondido VIP ride goes smoothly |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20071229-9999-1mi29sprint.html |access-date=April 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080525103258/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20071229-9999-1mi29sprint.html |archive-date=May 25, 2008}}{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2008 |title=Sprinter Inauguration – December 28, 2007 |url=http://www.railpac.org/2008/01/02/sprinter-inauguration-december-28-2007/ |access-date=July 28, 2013 |publisher=Rail Passenger Association of California & Nevada (RailPAC)}} with full revenue service scheduled to begin on January 13, 2008. Opening was delayed due to safety and other concerns,{{Cite news |last=Burge |first=Michael |date=January 18, 2008 |title=Sprinter could start on Jan 27 |work=U-T San Diego |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080118-9999-1mc18nctd.html |access-date=March 10, 2008}}{{Cite news |last=Burge |first=Michael |date=January 25, 2008 |title=Sprinter won't ride the rails until March 9 |work=U-T San Diego |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080125-1903-bn25sprint.html |access-date=March 10, 2008}} and began on March 9, 2008.

Sprinter was the least expensive rail project per mile of 10 rail projects built or planned in California in 2005.{{Cite news |last=Nichols |first=Chris |date=December 12, 2009 |title=REGION: Sprinter wins 'Project of Year' award |work=North County Times |url=http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/sdcounty/article_0755e088-1717-5314-a144-899490be488c.html |url-status=dead |access-date=April 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419103447/http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/sdcounty/article_0755e088-1717-5314-a144-899490be488c.html |archive-date=April 19, 2010}} American Public Works Association (APWA) awarded Sprinter the Transportation Project of the Year for projects valued over $75 million.

Sprinter runs every 30 minutes in both directions seven days a week, from approximately 4 am to 9 pm. Trains run later on Friday and Saturday evenings, to approximately 10:30pm (westbound to Oceanside), and to approximately 11:30pm (eastbound to Escondido).{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2012 |title=SPRINTER Schedule |url=http://www.gonctd.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SPRINTER-Time-Schedule_lores0612.gif |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913115513/http://www.gonctd.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SPRINTER-Time-Schedule_lores0612.gif |archive-date=September 13, 2013 |access-date=September 8, 2013 |publisher=North County Transit District}} Saturday/Sunday/Holiday trains operate every 30 minutes between 10 am and 6 pm and hourly before 10 am and after 6 pm.

File:Railnetwork NCTD.svg

File:Sprinter at Oceanside.jpg

Sprinter serves a total of 15 stations, including the two termini at Oceanside and Escondido. Three of these stations are transit centers – the two termini, Oceanside Transit Center and Escondido Transit Center, along with the Vista Transit Center station.

A one-way trip on Sprinter costs $2.50 per rider, $1.25 for Senior (60+)/Disabled/Medicare riders (children under 5 years old ride for free; up to 3).{{Cite web |title=Sprinter Fares And Passes – NCTD |url=http://www.gonctd.com/sprinter-fares-and-passes/ |access-date=October 4, 2013 |publisher=North County Transit District}}

In addition, riders can buy passes (e.g. Regional 24-Hour Pass, Regional 30-Day Pass) which allow for unlimited travel not only on Sprinter, but on other NCTD and MTS systems, such as the San Diego Trolley, and Breeze and MTS buses, for the duration of that pass. Rides on those systems, plus the Coaster commuter rail, and express buses, require a "RegionPlus" pass.

{{Main|Pronto_(smart_card){{!}}Pronto Card}}

Sprinter, along with all other NCTD and MTS services, utilizes the Pronto contactless fare system introduced in September 2021; succeededing the first-generation Compass Card system."{{Cite web |title=Public Meeting For Proposed Fare Changes |url=https://www.sdmts.com/sites/default/files/fare_change_public_meetings.pdf |access-date=April 2, 2021 |website=San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Information |publisher=San Diego Metropolitan Transit System}} The Pronto fare system allows for a tap-on, tap-off approach, so riders on Sprinter tap-on when entering the station platform (using one of the station's validators), and tap-off when arriving at the destination stop, in order to deduct the correct fare.{{Cite web |title=Goodbye Compass – Hello PRONTO! |url=https://www.sdmts.com/inside-mts-current-projects/pronto-fare-system |access-date=April 2, 2021 |website=San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Information |date=March 3, 2021 |publisher=San Diego Metropolitan Transit System}} Physical Pronto cards can be purchased at vending machines at NCTD stations or at customer service centers; electronic versions can be purchased through the website or through the mobile applications.{{Cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions – PRONTO |url=https://www.ridepronto.com/help/ |access-date=September 5, 2021 |website=Ride PRONTO |publisher=PRONTO}}

While pre-opening studies of the Sprinter line projected an average weekday ridership of 11,000, average weekday ridership in 2012 was 7,800, 70% of the original projected daily ridership. For 2012, this corresponded to 2.4 million annual ridership. However, the average weekday ridership for Sprinter in the first quarter of 2013 was 8,500 according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Transit Ridership Report for Q1 2013,{{Cite web |date=May 24, 2013 |title=Transit Ridership Report – First Quarter 2013 |url=http://www.apta.com/resources/statistics/Documents/Ridership/2013-q1-ridership-APTA.pdf |access-date=August 6, 2013 |publisher=American Public Transportation Association (APTA) |pages=3–4 }} which is 77% of the original projected daily ridership for the system.

File:Sprinter maintenance shop.jpg

The Sprinter service operates with Siemens Desiro-class diesel multiple units (DMUs), commonly used by main-line regional railways in Europe. In August 2006, twelve married pairs of Siemens VT642 Desiro DMUs were delivered to the Escondido Transit Center, undergoing acceptance testing in early 2007.

These trains are not FRA-compliant for mixed operations with freight trains, so freight service is restricted to non-passenger hours. Due to this limitation, some sources, including the American Public Transportation Association, classify the Sprinter as light rail, though it does not fit the conventional definition.

As of 2025, only five of the original vehicles remain in service, while the rest are used for parts due to ongoing issues with traction motors, rail trucks, and electronic components, as well as difficulties in sourcing replacements. Although the trains were designed for a 30-year lifespan, NCTD is considering replacing them at an estimated cost of over $350 million, with additional expenses likely for station modifications to accommodate new equipment.{{Cite web |last=Diehl |first=Phil |date=March 2, 2025 |title=NCTD needs to replace Sprinter train fleet early. Where will it get $351 million? |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/03/02/nctd-needs-to-replace-sprinter-train-fleet-early-where-will-it-get-351-million/ |access-date=March 2, 2025 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}}

Future development plans for Sprinter are currently focused on increasing the frequency of the service to 20 minutes per train departure, from Sprinter's current 30-minute schedule.{{Cite web |title=The Time Is NOW – Making the Transportation System Better: SPRINTER Improvements |url=http://www.gonctd.com/userfiles/file/6%20-%20SPRINTER%20-%20final%20JRF.pdf |access-date=August 15, 2013 |publisher=North County Transit District }}{{dead link|date=September 2013}} An increased schedule will require more double-tracking of the Sprinter rail line as currently only 9.6 miles (44%) of the Sprinter's rail line is double-tracked. The preferred alternative project for more double-tracking on the rail line involves increased double-tracking around Crouch St. station through College Blvd. station, and around Palomar College station through Nordahl Rd. station. It is projected that this project will require six years to reach completion.

On December 23, 2022,{{Cite web |last=Galvan |first=Layda |date=2022-12-23 |title=NCTD Awarded Funding for SPRINTER Improvements |url=https://gonctd.com/nctd-awarded-funding-for-sprinter-improvements/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=North County Transit District |language=en-US}} NCTD received funding of 7 million dollars. The funding from Consolidated Appropriations Act was requested by Congressman Mike Levin. The SPRINTER Corridor Service Improvement Project will be completed in two phases. The first phase will modernize the signal and communications systems along the corridor to improve safety, enhance community connectivity, and reduce service disruptions. The funding is focused on increasing the frequency of trains to every 15 minutes from the 30 minute frequency that Sprinter currently runs on.

Additionally, NCTD would like to implement Sprinter Express train service that would stop at only the five stations (Oceanside Transit Center, El Camino Real, Vista Transit Center, San Marcos Civic Center, and Escondido Transit Center) with the greatest ridership along the route. The Express service would use freight tracks east of San Marcos Civic Center station to bypass the station and an eastern portion of the regular route in order to further reduce travel times between termini.

Longer-term, SANDAG's 2050 Regional Transportation Plan projects one extension of Sprinter by 2050.{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2011 |title=2050 Regional Transportation Plan – Chapter 6 – Systems Development: Offering More Travel Choices |url=http://www.sandag.org/uploads/2050RTP/F2050rtp6.pdf |access-date=August 15, 2013 |publisher=SANDAG |pages=6–15 }} The extension would be from Sprinter's current eastern terminus at the Escondido Transit Center, south (presumably along S Centre City Parkway) to the North County Mall/Del Lago Transit Center. No other extensions of the Sprinter (e.g. to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, or to McClellan–Palomar Airport) are included in the plan.

Sprinter has encountered some dissatisfaction in northern San Diego County. For example, business owners in Oceanside have attributed flooding in November 2007 and January 2008{{Cite news |last=Sherman |first=Lola |date=January 9, 2008 |title=Businesses flooded along Sprinter rail line |work=U-T San Diego |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080109-9999-1m9flood.html |access-date=March 10, 2008}} to Sprinter, since its construction raised railroad beds and narrowed creeks. Some have also criticized the limited schedule.{{Cite news |last=Kovrig |first=Neill |date=January 15, 2008 |title=Sprinter already a disappointment |work=North County Times |url=http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/01/16/opinion/commentary/21_30_191_15_08.txt |access-date=March 10, 2008}} In response to the limited schedule, NCTD expanded Friday and Saturday Night service in 2011, the last trips leaving out of Escondido (Westbound) at 10:33pm and out of Oceanside (Eastbound) at 11:33pm.

On March 11, 2008, a westbound Sprinter train struck a man who was lying on the tracks under a State Route 78 bridge in San Marcos. It was not immediately clear if the man was aware of the approach of the train. However, the man, who was covered by a sleeping bag at the time he was struck, spoke of suicide while in the emergency room.{{Cite news |last=Burge |first=Michael |date=March 12, 2008 |title=New Sprinter train hits man lying on tracks; legs severed |work=U-T San Diego |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080312-9999-1m12sprint.html |access-date=April 9, 2008}}

On March 23, 2012, a man was struck by a westbound Sprinter train at the West Mission Road and North Pacific Street crossing. The victim's death was ruled a suicide by the San Diego County medical examiner's office. The operator of the train applied the brakes and sounded the horn, but was unable to avoid the collision. The victim died at the scene.{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Nick |date=March 23, 2012 |title=SAN MARCOS: Pedestrian struck, killed by Sprinter train |work=North County Times |url=http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/san-marcos/san-marcos-man-killed-by-train-identified/article_06c1e3c3-abd1-5467-b3de-2de914744c27.html |url-status=dead |access-date=March 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328050159/http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/san-marcos/san-marcos-man-killed-by-train-identified/article_06c1e3c3-abd1-5467-b3de-2de914744c27.html |archive-date=March 28, 2012}}

On March 4th, 2025, a westbound Sprinter train heading to Oceanside collided with a pickup truck at the Enterprise Street grade crossing just after heading out of Escondido Transit Center. One person inside the truck was killed.{{Cite news |last=Ashcraft |first=Anna |date=March 4, 2025 |title=One dead after vehicle collides with train in Escondido: police |url=https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/vehicle-hit-by-train-in-escondido/ |work=Fox 5 San Diego}}

On February 28, 2013, the California Public Utilities Commission conducted an inspection of Sprinter vehicles. During that inspection, the CPUC discovered accelerated patterns of wear on the central axle brakes of all 12 vehicles. As a result, on March 8, 2013, NCTD suspended service on the entire line. NCTD established bus replacement service for the duration of Sprinter service interruption which lasted 70 days.{{Cite web |date=March 9, 2013 |title=SPRINTER Service Interruption FAQ |url=http://www.gonctd.com/Sprinter_FAQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312050917/http://www.gonctd.com/Sprinter_FAQ |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |access-date=March 10, 2013 |publisher=North County Transit District}} Sprinter resumed regular service on May 18, 2013, with the last day of the supplemental express bus service on May 24.{{Cite web |date=May 16, 2013 |title=SPRINTER Returns to Service |url=http://www.gonctd.com/news/sprinter-returns-to-service |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026032749/http://www.gonctd.com/news/sprinter-returns-to-service |archive-date=October 26, 2014 |access-date=October 25, 2014 |publisher=North County Transit District}}

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32. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/oceanside/story/2022-01-23/north-county-bus-train-ridership-slashed-by-pandemic-report-shows

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