WINTER 2007










Dear Member,

Expect to see the SPRINTER traveling in the rail corridor at anytime as NCTD readys for its new light rail passenger service. Veolia, the SPRINTER operator, plans to begin full length testing (from Escondido to Oceanside) this week. This is the final phase of SPRINTER pre-revenue operations and acceptance testing. The intent is to allow operators to simulate actual revenue service, with full operational speed. The SPRINTER test runs will have 30 minute headways (in each direction) during the normal operating window (approximately 4 am to 9:30 pm). There will be multiple trains in the corridor at the same time, significantly increasing the frequency of SPRINTER trains at crossings.

Sincerely, Ted Owen
TABNC President & CEO,
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce



Call 511 For Commute Info
Information is much easier for commuters these days. You can now dial 511 to get up-to-the-minute freeway driving times, freeway assistance and transit info. In addition, the recently launched www.511sd.com website provides easy access to drive times, flight arrivals, train, trolley and bus schedules and the countywide transit trip planner. It also links you to carpool, vanpool and schoolpool information.



SPRINTER Update
Expect to see the SPRINTER traveling at anytime as NCTD readys for its new light rail passenger service. Veolia, the SPRINTER operator, began full length testing (from Escondido to Oceanside) this week. This is the final phase of SPRINTER pre-revenue operations and acceptance testing. The intent is to allow operators to simulate actual revenue service, with full operational speed. The SPRINTER test runs will have 30 minute headways (in each direction) during the normal operating window (approximately 4 am to 9:30 pm). There will be multiple trains in the corridor at the same time, significantly increasing the frequency of SPRINTER trains at crossings. Remember to LOOK, LISTEN and LIVE when ever you cross railroad tracks. Trains always have the right of way.



Land Value Impacts of Rail Transit Services
The National Association of REALTORS (R) has partnered with the Urban Land Institute to sponsor research by UC Berkeley on the effect of proximity to rail transit on property values which includes Santa Clara County, Los Angeles and San Diego. The studies look at the effect of being near all types of rail transit: light rail (trolley); heavy rail (subway); and commuter rail. The San Diego studies included residential and commercial properties. Future phases of research will study metropolitan areas outside of California.

The San Diego County research found appreciable land-value premiums for different land uses in different rail-transit corridors. The most appreciable benefits were: 46% premiums for condominiums and 17% for single-family housing near COASTER commuter rail stations in the North County; 17% & 10% premiums, respectively, for multi-family housing near East Line and South Line trolley stations; and, for commercial properties, 91% premiums for parcels near downtown COASTER stations and 72% premiums for parcels near trolley stations in Mission Valley.

Escondido's City Square project, located near Escondido Transit Center, was a sell out in 30 days! Phase 2 is underway. When asked why this project was so successful, Larry Clemens, Barratt American Urban President, responded that baby boomers in Escondido are selling their large homes and downsizing into a "lock and leave" lifestyle. Local buyers want access to convenient transit and don't want to leave the life they have created with their family and friends. "Barratt American is in the right place at the right time with the right product", said Larry.



COASTER Reports a Busy Summer
Fiscal year 07 was another record setting year for the COASTER - ridership again topped 1.5 million. The trend continues in the new fiscal year. In July NCTD had a record month with 162,914 passengers and on Wednesday, July 18 the COASTER had one of the busiest days yet with 9,118 passengers, thanks to Del Mar and Padres fans who avoided the I-5 traffic congestion by joining COASTER commuters. Padres service continues to be a popular choice for North County baseball fans. On average the COASTER has 17% more riders on a Padres home game day.



County News
5th District County Board of Supervisor Bill Horn serves on the Board of Directors for both SANDAG (San Diego's regional planning agency) and NCTD (North County Transit District).

Recently Supervisor Bill Horn spoke with State Senator Hollingsworth about the state's budget revise that redirected some $1.3 billion dollars in public transportation funds. Supervisor Horn urged the State Senator to work to restore as much funding as possible to these accounts. On August 1, 2007, Supervisor Horn supported Board (of Supervisors) action on an agreement with the Pala Band of Mission Indians that will generate roughly $38 million to improve Highway 76.

Action - You may wish to thank Supervisor Horn for his work to improve transportation in North County.



State News
Assemblyman Martin Garrick represents the 74th District and serves on the Transportation Committee for the state of California.

The State 2007-2008 Budget Act and various associated trailer bills was approved by the Legislature and sent to the Governor on August 21, 2007. The long stalemate, which held up passage of the Budget by 52 days past the start of the State's new fiscal yer, was broken when legislative leaders and the Governor agreed to a package of additional spending cuts ($700 million) that the Governor will enact with his line-item veto authority. Also approved by the Legislature was policy change prohibiting the Attorney General from suing local governments under the "California Global Warming Solutions Act" when using Proposition 1B funds to build transportation projects.

This Budget package enacts a $1.259 billion shift of Public Transportation Account funds into new, non-transit expenditure programs consisting of $948 million in fund general obligation transportation bond debt service payments, $129 million for regional center transportation costs, $99 million for home-to-school transportation and $83 million for repayment of debt owed by the General Fund to Proposition 42 programs. This shift is a major blow for transportation, not just for transit and not just for the current year. Agencies throughout the state will lose millions of dollars for critically needed capital projects and programs. Importantly, the ability to shift public transportation funds for non transit purposes is precedent setting for the future.

Positive aspects of the Budget Act include:

Approximately $416 million to the State Transit Assistance (STA) Program, a program which funds transit operations.

Approximately $599 million is appropriated from the Public Transportation Account to support capital projects.

With respect to the additional line-item cuts that the Governor has agreed to make (about $700 millions total), additional transit funding cuts are NOT "on the list."

Of Concern - According to the CA Transit Association, the Department of Finance has projected that there will not be sufficient Public Transportation Account dollars to cover all of the expenditures included in the budget. In anticipation of this, the CA Transportation Commision has begun working with project sponsors on the "real" cash flow needs of their projects.

Action - You may wish to thank your State Delegates (Senators and Assembly members) for approving the funding of transit in this budget however also explain the importance of maximum and consistent funding for transit in the future. And urge the Governor to support transit funding now and in the future.



Federal News
The honorable Brian Bilbray represents the 50th Congressional District of the state of California.

The Federal House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2008 Federal Transportation Appropriations Bill on July 24, 2007. The bill would authorize $50.7 billion in discretionary spending, $4 billion more than enacted last year and $2.8 billion more than Bush requested. Transit would receive $9.7 billion, $782 million above fiscal 2007 and $333.8 million above the President's request. In addition, the following earmarks that benefit transportation in San Diego County are included in the House bill HR3074. Senate action is pending.

* State Route 56 Connectors & I-5 Widening - $500,000
* State Route 76 Widening & Realignment - $250,000
* West Vista Way Widening - $250,000
* San Luis Rey Transit Center - $250,000
* East County Bus Maintenance Facility - $350,000
* Regional Bus Replacement - $300,000
* Shoal Creek Pedestrian Bridge - $250,000
* Leucadia At-Grade Safety Improvements - $250,000
* School Zone Safety Improvements - $250,000
* Citracado Parkway Project - $250,000

This bill, HR3074, joins the long list of appropriation measures that have garnered a White House veto threat due to "irresponsible and excessive level of spending". The Administration also indicated objections to providing $1.4 billion for Amtrak, "which will perpetuate a flawed model for intercity passenger rail." The bill did not pass the floor with a veto-proof margin.

Action - It's appropriate to contact your Congressional Delegates and thank them for approving the transportation bill. You might also wish contact your US Senate Delegates by Sept., to urge support of the bill.



Mark Your Calendar

9 AM – January 8, 2008 – Communications & Membership Committee Meeting
9 AM – January 10, 2008 – Business Affairs Committee Meeting
9 AM – January 24, 2008 – General Membership Meeting

Location:
North County Transit District
810 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92054