Track Dispute to Delay Added O.C. Train Service
Orange County commuters will have to wait a little longer for expanded rail service.
The addition of two trains in December between Oceanside and Los Angeles with stops in Orange County has been postponed until May, because of a dispute with Santa Fe Railroad over track maintenance, county transit officials said.
The Orange County Transportation Authority announced the delay to give commuters time to make other arrangements.
Currently, OCTA operates one commuter train daily in each direction between San Juan Capistrano and Union Station in Los Angeles.
Santa Fe sold control of the right of way to OCTA earlier this year.
OCTA officials said Monday they want Santa Fe to reimburse OCTA for failing to complete track maintenance.
Santa Fe spokesman Mike Martin said OCTA could expand service in December despite the dispute.
He added that some track switching would have to be performed manually, and that it would be up to OCTA to arrange for such work.
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