North County Transit District Passengers May Soon Get Rides on Amtrak Surfliners

Amtrak, Caltrans and the North County Transit District today announced an agreement that will allow some of Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner trains to give rides to the NCTD's Coaster passengers.

Three northbound and three southbound Amtrak trains will provide daily service at all eight Coaster stations beginning Oct. 7, according to the NCTD. Riders just need to present a valid Coaster ticket.

"Pacific Surfliner trains will fill some gaps in our current Coaster schedule, giving our customers more choices and greater flexibility, all without any fare increase," said Nick Freeman, deputy chief operating officer for rail operations at the NCTD.

The northbound Amtrak trains available to Coaster riders are scheduled to depart downtown San Diego at 8:24 a.m., 10:42 a.m. and 9:05 p.m. The southbound runs leave Oceanside at 7:03 p.m., 9:19 p.m. and 11:52 p.m.

Additionally, Amtrak passengers can catch one of the designated Amtrak trains at a Coaster station and ride to destinations north of Oceanside by purchasing an Amtrak ticket online, according to the NCTD.

The Amtrak service will not be offered on the Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving week and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the opening week of racing at the Del Mar Racetrack.

Scheduling information can be obtained at goNCTD.com or AmtrakCalifornia.com.

-- City News Service