SMART To Resume Full, Free Service From Sonoma County Airport

NORTH BAY, CA — UPDATED 6:17 p.m. Oct. 30: SMART trains will return to full service with stops at 10 stations — from the Sonoma County Airport station to downtown San Rafael — beginning Thursday, Oct. 31, following the lifting Wednesday, Oct. 30 of mandatory Kincade Fire evacuations for the Santa Rosa North and airport stations, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit announced.

"SMART service will continue to be free of charge to assist those in the North Bay who need transportation options through Wednesday, Nov. 6," said SMART Spokesman Matt Stevens.

Southbound service begins at 4:19 a.m. out of the Sonoma County Airport station, and northbound service begins at 5:59 a.m. out of San Rafael.

Because fire conditions can change at any time, passengers are advised to check SMART’s website: SonomaMarinTrain.org, before starting their trip.

"Safety is SMART’s top priority, and we will continue to monitor fire conditions and will use all necessary safety precautions," Stevens said.

ORIGINAL POST: SMART trains will operate beginning Wednesday, Oct. 30, on a limited schedule, officials with Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit said. SMART trains did not run Monday or Tuesday because of extreme fire conditions in Sonoma and Marin counties that have coincided with PG&E public safety power shutoffs.

SMART is resuming service Wednesday and it will be free of charge to assist those in the area who need transportation options during this period, from Oct. 30 through Wednesday, Nov. 6, according to SMART Spokesman Matt Stevens.

Trains will operate from the Santa Rosa Downtown station to downtown San Rafael, serving all stations in between. Southbound service begins at 4:31 a.m. Wednesday out of the Santa Rosa Downtown station, and northbound service begins at 5:59 a.m. Wednesday out of San Rafael.

SMART will run 34 train trips each day through Wednesday, Nov. 6.

However, because of power outages and closed railroad crossings in the northern portion of Santa Rosa, the Sonoma County Airport and Santa Rosa North stations will be closed until further notice.

Because fire conditions can change at any time, SMART advises checking the transportation agency's website for any schedule changes before passengers start their trip.

"Safety is SMART’s top priority, and we will continue to monitor fire conditions and will use all necessary safety precautions," Stevens said.

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