Exception to the rule in San Diego

We've heard a lot about how gas prices have resulted in record use of commuter rail and mass transit. But the San Diego Union-Tribune reports one exception, the new Sprinter commuter line that connects Escondido with Oceanside.

Riders still pack the trains in the morning, and wheelchairs and bicycles fill the cars' open middle. On weekends, teenagers and families carrying surfboards and beach towels ride the Sprinter to Oceanside's sandy beaches early in the day, then head back with their sunburns later. But since that heady March 9 opening, when those 13,000 checked out the new train, reality has taken over. Daily ridership, more than 7,000 in March, has dwindled to the mid-6,000s range since then.

-- Shelby Grad

Photo: Sprinter

Comments

[BOB2]

This is far above what was projected? The usual nonsense from the San Diego Uninot Trib? The Gold Line carried nearly 80,000 on its first free weekend? Now in regular service it is standing room only at 24k. I was on the Sprinter midday-midweek last month and it was standing room only, too. More nonsense from the press.

[Spokker]

How? The Sprinter is a joke of a light rail line. NCTD is shooting themselves in the foot raising fares when ridership is so low.

Now they are discontinuing the Rail 2 Rail program for the Coaster. It really baffles my mind.

[Cycling in Hollywood]

Don't worry it'll get used soon!