NORTH COUNTY - It may be time for some North County residents to consider dusting off those bicycles that have been sitting idle in the garage behind the lawn mower for the last few years. Skyrocketing gasoline prices combined with statewide budget cuts couldn’t come at a worse time for North County Mass Transit services and many of the bus and train riders who depend on them.
At the same time the North County Transit District has been spending advertising dollars urging drivers to use mass transit and leave cars at home, the district is being forced to raise bus and train fares and cut existing bus routes that will affect seniors and people in outlying areas of Vista, Oceanside and Escondido. The result may be more cars on the road, not less.
“Diesel prices are actually going up faster than gas prices,” said North County Transit District spokesman Tom Kelleher. “About half of our fleet of Breeze buses are diesel powered and all the Coaster trains are diesel-powered locomotives.”
The District’s fuel budget has doubled in the last two years, said Kelleher. “We are eliminating the FAST dial-a-ride service in remote parts of Vista, Fallbrook, Encinitas and some routes in Oceanside as of Aug. 10. It’s an across the board belt tightening. Unfortunately some people will be forced to drive or find alternate transportation.”
“We are being forced to eliminate underperforming routes. If an area can’t support a Breeze bus with at least 12 riders per hour, we have to discontinue it and concentrate on more productive routes. It’s not just the riders who are affected. We are having to reduce our staff by 10 percent as well; bus drivers and support staff are losing jobs also.”
The California State Transit Assistance Program is giving less to the Transit District, said Kelleher. “They’re taking money away from transit to prop up other statewide budget shortfalls. Right now it’s a tough time for airlines and public transport.”
“The price rise for monthly bus and train tickets is across the board,” according to Kelleher. “The monthly cost of Sprinter and Coaster passes is going up $14 a month. Bus passes are going up $5, from $54 to $59 per month. Reduction of routes is also across the entire North County area.”
Vista Mayor Morris Vance has expressed worries that local volunteer senior shuttles could be swamped with calls from housebound seniors who previously used mass transit services. “At this point we don’t know yet how the route changes will affect Vista seniors,” said Vista Communications Director Andrea McCullough. “Our senior shuttle service uses volunteer drivers and is funded by the Parks Department. Those funds are limited.”
Bus riders can access North County Transit route changes and schedules on the web at www.gonctd.com.
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