Letter: Oceanside Station Third Track

June 8, 2017
The following is a letter regarding Oceanside Transit Center’s third track from North County Transit District Executive Director Matthew O. Tucker;

The following is a letter regarding Oceanside Transit Center’s third track from North County Transit District Executive Director Matthew O. Tucker;

Dear Stakeholders and Interested People:

NCTD has received feedback regarding the operations of trains at the Oceanside Transit Center (OTC) — specifically new operations and staging of trains based on the third track and rail station project.

As background, the Oceanside Transit Center project was developed to add a third track and crossovers in the City of Oceanside connecting to the existing OTC track at approximately MP 226.4 (collectively, the “3rd Track”). NCTD, the City of Oceanside, and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) were involved in an extensive outreach program to the community prior to design and construction of the project. This was in an effort to ensure that the public was aware and provide feedback regarding the proposed project and its potential impacts to the area.

The new track and platform provides additional capacity and supports improved on- time performance for all trains on the San Diego Subdivision. In addition to COASTER and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains, Metrolink operates 16 weekday trains and 12 weekend trains out of OTC. In addition, one of the weekday trains and two of the weekend trains have a layover at OTC in excess of 45 minutes.

Prior to the implementation of the 3rd Track, trains and passengers could be subject to delay and hold out from OTC until a rail platform was available for the train to stop. The 3rd Track project also is intended to support operating efficiency for trains, such as Metrolink, that use OTC as a terminal location. Prior to the implementation of the 3rd Track and platform, Metrolink trains were required to travel approximately five miles to NCTD's Stuart Mesa Operations and Maintenance Facility on Camp Pendleton and then return back to the platform to begin revenue operations.

The cost of implementing the 3rd Track project was $26 million and was funded using federal, state, and local funds. NCTD has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that the project benefits are fully achieved. With that said, NCTD also has a responsibility to be a good neighbor. Accordingly, I have directed staff to:

  1. Communicate with Metrolink to provide direction that locomotives must be shut down if the train will remain at the station longer than 60 minutes or to move the train to our Stuart Mesa Operations and Maintenance Facility; and
  1. Evaluate the feasibility and timeline for implementing auxiliary power at OTC so that locomotives can be shut down while key systems such as air conditioning remain operational.

Please be assured that NCTD will work collaboratively with the City and residents to achieve positive outcomes and the public benefits that supported the project improvements. Based on the feedback that has been received, NCTD has developed Frequently Asked Questions regarding the 3rd track project.