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Public Safety

Report: North County Coaster Lacks On-Board Emergency Notification

The lack of an emergency notification on board the North County Coaster and incorrect information on the Coaster's website are conditions that need to be corrected to promote passenger safety, according to a report released today by the San Diego County grand jury.

According to the report, management of the North County Transit District's Coaster, a commuter train that operates between downtown San Diego and Oceanside, was unaware that Internet information about the Coaster was incorrect, and a promise to correct the errors was not honored.

In addition, NCTD management appeared to be making assumptions on how many passengers may handle emergencies despite the lack of correct information on how to do so, according to the report.

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The grand jury said it found that other train systems did have adequate procedures posted for dealing with emergencies.

According to the report, Coaster management is developing a wireless intercom system scheduled to be in place by the end of the year.

The report, "North County Transit District Coaster: Passengers Unnecessarily at Risk," includes a commendation section noting NCTD's high level of service.

KPBS has created a public safety coverage policy to guide decisions on what stories we prioritize, as well as whose narratives we need to include to tell complete stories that best serve our audiences. This policy was shaped through months of training with the Poynter Institute and feedback from the community. You can read the full policy here.