In response to the recent op-ed by Joe Mathews from Zócalo about the North County Transit District’s Sprinter, we would like to add the following information.
As supporters and users of public transit, we are glad the writer of the article was on the Sprinter on a good day. However, as former and current leaders in transportation, economic development, law enforcement, and employees and owners of large and small businesses, we have found frequent drug use and much crime on the Sprinter.
For example, one of our members, while leading a Sprinter tour for the Urban Land Institute, was embarrassed by the open acceptance of drug use and crime that nationwide conference attendees were exposed to.
Our members also have firsthand knowledge of how the North County Transit District has restricted access to the right-away, so cities and businesses cannot clean the prevalent graffiti across the line’s route. This degrades the rider’s view of what could be wonderful scenery.
Lastly, again with firsthand knowledge, we know that NCTD has not had a good reputation with communities on the Sprinter line and on other transit and property issues which could easily be addressed.
A little input from others could go a long way and help the agency gain the support that it needs to replace the Sprinter vehicles early at a cost of over $350 million — and according to their CEO, it could be significantly more.
Teamwork can make the dream work.
Thank you,
The Oceanside Safe Streets Association
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