[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 40 (Friday, March 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPRINTER

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                         HON. BRIAN P. BILBRAY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 6, 2009

  Mr. BILBRAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the North 
County Transit District and the successful completion of the first year 
of service by the Sprinter. The Sprinter is a light commuter rail line 
operating between Oceanside and Escondido, California, United States.
  The Sprinter is operated by the North County Transit District of 
Oceanside, the area's public transit agency and is the first passenger 
train service of any kind along the Escondido Branch since the Santa Fe 
Railroad discontinued passenger service in 1946. The Sprinter service 
has helped the San Diego region battle traffic congestion and pollution 
while providing a critical 22-mile route from Oceanside to Escondido, 
with 15 stops along the way.
  The light rail on average services 7,300 weekday riders and ridership 
is increasing steadily. The Sprinter had over 2.3 million passengers in 
its very first year and has maintained a 99 percent on time 
performance. I am especially proud of the Sprinter's success during 
these difficult economic times. My congratulations go out to the entire 
Sprinter family and the North County Transit District team!

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