Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

No Security Changes Planned After North County Train Accident

A spokesman for the North County Transit District says security along the new Sprinter Light Rail line will not change in response to yesterday’s accident. A homeless man lay on the tracks and lots h

No Security Changes Planned After North County Train Accident

A spokesman for the North County Transit District says security along the new Sprinter Light Rail line will not change in response to yesterday’s accident. A homeless man lay on the tracks and lots his legs when the train ran over him. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The opening of the sprinter line was delayed for several weeks while the North County Transit district fine tuned safety at the 36 railroad crossings along the line. But all the security procedures did not prevent a man from being run over on the third day in operation.

Advertisement

NCTD spokesman Tom Kelleher says the Federal Railroad Administration does not require fencing along railway lines.

But the Sprinter, unlike the Coaster commuter train, does have fencing installed all along the line, thanks to a request from the California Public Utilities Commission. 

Kelleher says NCTD has a contract with the San Diego Sheriff’s department to patrol all its rail lines, and Sheriffs have the authority to ticket people who resists warnings.

Kelleher : You know with 84 miles of railroad it would be impossible to keep people off of the railroad.

Kelleher says more public education is the key to keeping people away off the tracks.

Advertisement

Alison St John, KPBS News.