Sonoma and Marin Counties received an $11 million grant from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program to help pay for four newly manufactured rail passenger vehicles to complete the SMART Rail Car Capacity Project. Together with a newly launched 43-mile SMART passenger rail service across Marin and Sonoma Counties, these rail cars will connect communities, provide a transit link between job markets and worker populations and provide people with a sustainable transportation option.
The impact of these cars will be far larger than simply growing SMART’s rail vehicle fleet from 14 to 18 cars; the acquisition enabled SMART to launch two new extensions, add two new infill stations, and roll out a new and expanded service schedule on weekdays, including peak period demands, weekend service, and special events, creating more capacity for riders.
Shaun Ralston, Regional Manager at Sutter Health and SMART commuter, appreciates the convenience and overall experience of riding the SMART rail system: “As a commuter from Sonoma County, SMART is the best way to get to my work destinations in Marin and San Francisco. Not only do I avoid the bumper-to-bumper Highway 101 traffic in Novato, but the commute is also fast, friendly, relaxing and productive. With the comfortable seats, table spaces, electric outlets at each seat and free Wi-Fi, I use the travel time to listen to music and catch-up on work. Plus, when commuting to San Francisco, I save on expensive city parking, bridge tolls, and enjoy a beautiful sunrise Bay cruise – all before starting my day.”
Looking to the future, and the need to train more vehicle maintenance staff across the rail sector, SMART is working to establish an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Santa Rosa Junior College’s Industrial and Trade Technology program to work on the vehicles purchased by this grant.
A crowd with the new rail car