SMART Train Opening Day Announced: 'We Are Ready To Roll'

SONOMA and MARIN COUNTIES, CA -- The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District announced Thursday it has received the green light from the Federal Railroad Administration to begin providing full passenger service. SMART trains will start rolling Friday, Aug. 25 along the entire 43-mile route from the Sonoma County Airport station to the north and San Rafael to the south -- 34 trips each weekday and 10 trips on weekends.

“We are proud to say that we are ready to roll,” said SMART Board of Directors Chairwoman Debora Fudge. “This is the result of years of hard work from SMART’s staff, its team of contractors and consultants, and Federal Railroad Administration Regional Administrator James Jordan and his team. Successfully opening a new transit system is a major accomplishment—and we will remember this day for generations to come.”

In celebration of the start of service, SMART will host a community grand opening event at 9 a.m. at its Santa Rosa Downtown Station, at 7 Fourth Street at Historic Railroad Square. SMART train service, set to fully commence at 12:49 p.m. Aug. 25, will be free of charge on opening day.

"This is truly historic," said SMART Board Vice Chairwoman Kathrin Sears. "We want to thank the public for their support, and for providing the North Bay with a state-of-the-art transportation system. This system will bring relief to commuters stuck on Highway 101 and provide a stress-free way to travel. It will also provide a major economic boost for both Marin and Sonoma counties."

Last month, while awaiting federal approval to begin service, SMART offered a series of free preview rides.

• All Aboard The SMART Train! Thousands Take Free Preview Rides

After opening day, passengers discounts will continue. SMART fares for everyone will be 50 percent off the regular price through Labor Day, Sept. 4.

Regular fares will be in place on Sept. 5, with commuters able to purchase discounted 31-day passes. Seniors, youth and passengers with disabilities will receive 50-percent off fares.

In connection with SMART’s start of service, several public transit agencies have developed new routes or adjusted existing ones to coordinate with the train’s schedule.

SMART uses Clipper® cards, the same payment system used by other Bay Area transit providers. SMART passengers receive transfer credits to make their connections when using Golden Gate Transit, Marin Transit, Petaluma Transit, Santa Rosa CityBus, or Sonoma County Transit.

Here are current SMART station locations, as well as those planned:

• Sonoma County Airport
• Santa Rosa North
• Santa Rosa Downtown
• Rohnert Park
• Cotati
• Petaluma Downtown
• Novato San Marin
• Novato Hamilton
• Marin Civic Center
• San Rafael
• Cloverdale (planned)
• Healdsburg (planned)
• Windsor (planned)
• Petaluma North (planned)
• Novato Downtown (planned)
• Larkspur (planned)

Photo courtesy Al Francis/Napasonomaphotos.com