SMART Station To Open In Downtown Novato By End Of 2019

NOVATO, CA – Novato's downtown Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit station is expected to be completed and in operation by the end of 2019, SMART General Manager Farhad Mansourian said.

Mansourian made the announcement at the Novato City Council meeting Tuesday.

The downtown station at Grant and Railroad avenues will be a full stop station and part of SMART's regular schedule, Mansourian said.

Novato currently has two SMART stations, San Marin and Hamilton.

The downtown station is completely funded by the city of Novato and regional transportation grants. It is two blocks from the new Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit bus facility on Redwood Boulevard that was completed in September 2017.

"This is huge news for Novato," Mayor Eric Lucan said. "Having a full, regular stop serving our downtown station gives all residents more convenience and flexibility.

"It also makes it easier for people to commute to jobs or visit Downtown Novato," Lucan said in a news release.

SMART will begin installing crossing gates, shelters and equipment this summer and start overnight resting in the fall, according to SMART.

—Bay City News Service