The Coast News Group
COASTER
During the closure weekend, neither Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink will service the Oceanside Transit Center. Courtesy photo
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RIDER ALERT: April 18-19 weekend rail closures

REGION — In order to facilitate infrastructure improvements along the coastal rail corridor, there will be a full rail closure along the COASTER line the weekend of April 18-19, 2020. COASTER service is currently suspended for weekend trains due to the COVID-19 service reductions; however, this will continue to affect Metrolink and Amtrak service.

On Friday, April 17 preceding the closure, southbound Amtrak Rail 2 Rail (R2R) train A796 will be serviced by bus from Los Angeles to San Diego, making stops at Oceanside, Solana Beach, Old Town San Diego and Santa Fe Depot.  Amtrak customers may visit PacificSurfliner.com or call 800-872-7245 for the latest information.

During the closure weekend, neither Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink will service the Oceanside Transit Center. Amtrak bus services will require an Amtrak reservation and Rail 2 Rail passes will not be honored.

Replacement bus service connecting COASTER stations will not be available. Alternatives for some COASTER passengers may include BREEZE Route 101 or MTS connections.

After the closures, coastal rail service will re-open for regularly scheduled trips in time for the Monday morning commute. Passengers should note that trains may be delayed up to 15 minutes on Monday, April 20. Service reductions for weekday COASTER trains will remain in effect, and riders can find the most up-to-date COASTER schedule on NCTD’s Service Alerts webpage.

While no passenger rail service will be available during the closure, other vehicles and equipment will operate along the railroad right-of-way and on the tracks at non-specified times. Residents and visitors along the corridor should remain alert at legal crossings, and not trespass on the railroad right-of-way.