August 24, 2017
- What's the SMART train and what's so good about it?
The Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) service restores passenger trains to the rail right-of-way to allow commuters to travel without a car between Sonoma and Marin counties.The rail service is expected to add vibrancy to the areas within walking and bicycling distances of the train stations along the route. And, you can feel good about your transportation choices because you’re reducing your greenhouse gas emissions while supporting car-free public transit. - How do I get on the train?
There are 10 stations in this initial phase of the 43-mile route from the Sonoma County airport to the transit mall in San Rafael. There is car and bike parking at each station. Most stations are within walking distance of a bus stop. To ride the SMART train, you will need to purchase a fare through the Clipper Card or the SMART mobile app. No paper tickets are issued. - How much does it cost? Are there any discounts?
Fares are based on travel zones, and range from $3.50 for the shortest one-way trip, to $11.50 for a 43-mile trip from one end of the system to the other. Seniors, youth, and disabled passengers may pay half-fare by applying for a clipper card. Full fare information is available here - How frequently will it run?
The schedule has 34 trains per day, with intervals of about 30 minutes during commute hours, and a mid-day train in each direction. A morning southbound train leaves the airport station at 4:19 a.m. and arrives in San Rafael at 5:26 a.m. Northbound, the first morning train leaves San Rafael at 5:59 a.m. and arrives at the airport station at 7:06 a.m. On weekends, the first morning train leaves Airport Road at 10:13 am. and the last evening train leaves San Rafael at 8:50 pm. A full schedule is available here. - What's the ride like? SMART train cars are well-appointed, with cushioned seats, bright lighting and a coffee bar. Some seats face each other across a table. Others are rows of two with an aisle down the middle. The ride is smooth and quiet. WiFi is available.
- What are the policies on bringing bikes on?
Bikes are a great way to enhance your SMART experience and go carless. They are welcome on board the trains and each car has spaces for 24 bikes. Stations have bike parking and secure bike lockers. SMART is also exploring partnerships to provide bike sharing near some of its stations. - How do I get from the San Rafael terminal to the ferry terminal?
Until the train service expands to Larkspur (planned for 2019), SMART riders can get a free bus from the San Rafael station on Golden Gate Transit’s Route 31 to the Larkspur ferry terminal. There is also a return trip from ferry to train. The shuttle is about 10 minutes. Read more here. - When are extensions of train service expected?
Extension of service to the Larkspur ferry terminal is due in 2019. Extensions north to Windsor, Healdsburg and Cloverdale are planned but are dependent on funding. Future train service could extend to Sacramento via the Capitol Corridor.