As needed, deputies can enforce penalties for those trespassing within NCTD’s right-of-way. Persons cited crossing the tracks illegally or trespassing within the rail right-of-way may face criminal penalties that can result in fines up to $500 and potentially up to six months in jail.
“It is never a good idea to cross a railroad track unless you’re at a legal crossing,” said Sean Loofbourrow, NCTD Chief of Safety. “Trespassing across the rail line can result in tragic accidents that produce a ripple effect of trauma across the greater community. Witnesses, train crews, family members, friends, and riders are all impacted by these tragic accidents. The momentary convenience of crossing the tracks illegally is never worth jeopardizing the safety of yourself and hundreds of others.”
When a train comes to an emergency stop due to trespassers on or near the track, there is a risk of injury to the passengers and train crews who didn't expect a sudden stop. In addition to the risk of injury, emergency stops require an inspection of the train, the section of rail it occurred on, and an air test to ensure brakes are functioning properly. This not only delays the individual train, but also the rest of the services on the rail corridor. This can result in an economic burden to passengers unable to get to work, and a cost to taxpayers who pay for the necessary inspections.
NCTD operates daily COASTER commuter rail service along the San Diego coastal corridor. In addition, NCTD’s rail partners Amtrak, Metrolink, and BNSF also offer commuter rail and freight service daily along these tracks. The LOSSAN rail corridor is the second busiest intercity passenger railway in the United States.
About NCTD: The North County Transit District is a public transportation agency providing over 10 million passenger trips in Fiscal Year 2019 throughout North San Diego County and into downtown San Diego. NCTD is designated as a rail common carrier by the Surface Transportation Board based on the movement of interstate commerce over the 80+ miles of directional tracks and is designated as the Railroad of Record by the Federal Railroad Administration responsible for safety over the entire San Diego portion of the LOSSAN corridor and Escondido Subdivision. NCTD’s system includes BREEZE buses (with FLEX service), COASTER commuter trains, SPRINTER hybrid rail trains, and LIFT paratransit service. NCTD’s mission is to deliver safe, convenient, reliable, and user-friendly public transportation services. For more information visit: GoNCTD.com.