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| PHOTOS and commentary: SPRINTing right along (676068) | |||
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PHOTOS and commentary: SPRINTing right along |
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Posted by The Port of Authority on Tue Sep 2 16:16:17 2008 In honor of yesterday being a day off, I drove down to Oceanside, CA to ride the new NCTD SPRINTER light rail. This diesel-powered light rail (similar to the NJT RiverLINE) line opened on March 9, 2008 after a number of setbacks, and currently operates along the San Diego Northern Railroad's Escondido branch between Oceanside and Escondido. Travel time between the two points is roughly 50 minutes.I was highly impressed by the service. The cars (Siemens VT642 Desiro) were significantly more comfortable than the RiverLINE vehicles, and also allowed for full passage throughout the vehicle (the RiverLINE cars have the engine compartment in the center section.) A daypass cost $4.50, a bit expensive for such a short line -- although it was good on the NCTD buses as well, an option that I didn't find the need to exercise. The staff were courteous and helpful, and they must be used to railfan photography as my photographic activity wasn't questioned or even viewed as something out of the ordinary. (I even saw another railfan taking a photo of my train at the Coast Highway station.) And now, the photos (viewed in chronological order):  Car 4008 is seen at the Escondido terminus.  4011 prepares to leave Escondido. Note the "bridgeplates" between the platform and the train, which are retracted when SPRINTER is not in service to allow for freight movement on the line.  Car 4011, about to leave Cal State San Marcos westbound to Oceanside. This station is the only "elevated" station, actually located partially on an embankment.  4007 departs Cal State San Marcos toward Escondido.  4007 returns westbound to Cal State San Marcos.  4007 prepares to leave the Vista Transit Center westbound, viewed from the pedestrian crossing at the western end of the station.  4011 is seen going eastbound approaching the Vista Transit Center.  Wide view.  4005 enters Vista bound for Oceanside.  4005 again, this time going southbound between Oceanside and Coast Highway stations. The trackway to the left is the COASTER/Amtrak line to San Diego. The Oceanside Transit Center can be seen in the background.  Car 4008 entering the Oceanside Transit Center. Enjoy! |
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