SMART Connect microtransit shuttle

SMART Connect is an on-demand shuttle service serving the SMART Sonoma County Airport station, Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS), and the surrounding area’s residents, businesses, and employers. On weekends, SMART Connect serves 33 wineries as well as breweries and other destinations.

Ride Pingo App
Rides on the SMART Connect shuttle may be booked with the Ride Pingo App. Download the Ride Pingo app and book a trip today.

Hours of Service

The shuttle operates 8 AM – 6 PM, 7 days per week. SMART Connect follows the same holiday schedule as the SMART train. All trips must start and end in the service zone. Weekday and weekend service zones are different.

Service Area

SMART Connect serves the area surrounding the Sonoma County Airport (STS) and the SMART Sonoma County Airport station. On weekends, SMART Connect service area expands to include the area’s surrounding wineries, breweries, and other attractions. Trips can be booked to and from anywhere within the service area, not just the SMART station or Airport.

Weekday Service Zone

SMART Connect’s weekday service zone centers around the Sonoma County Airport (STS), the SMART Sonoma County Airport station, and the surrounding commercial and industrial areas.

Weekday recreational destinations include the Pacific Coast Air Museum, Airport Blvd Cinemas, and the Kendall-Jackson Winery.

Weekend Service Zone

SMART Connect has an expanded service zone on Saturdays and Sundays that includes over 30 wineries as well as breweries and other destinations.

Catching SMART Connect from the SMART Train

SMART Connect meets every northbound train at the SMART Sonoma County Airport station. You can find the bright orange shuttle waiting as you exit the train in the parking lot. For southbound trains, select the train station as your destination in the App, then select the option for “Transit Connect”, and the Ride Pingo app will ensure that you make your connection to SMART.

Catching SMART Connect from the Sonoma County Airport

SMART Connect stops at the blue bus shelter outside the airport terminal on an on-demand basis. Rides can be booked using the Ride Pingo App or by calling 800-727-0279. For riders needing a wheelchair-accessible ride, please see the section on accessibility to ensure that you meet SMART Connect at the correct location.

Fares

The one-way fare is $1.50 for adults and $.75 for persons with a disability. Youth (ages 0-18) and seniors (ages 65+) ride fare free on SMART Connect and on the SMART train. Fare may be paid cash (no change given), with a credit or debit card in the Ride Pingo app, or by calling 800-727-0279. Quantity of riders and rider fare types can be selected on the booking page by tapping the “Riders” button (see below).

Accessibility

The shuttle is wheelchair-accessible, with space for one wheelchair. Riders who would like wheelchair accommodations can use the Ride Pingo app to pick the wheelchair seat type after entering their origin and destination (see examples below). Wheelchair users do not need to select a standard seat for themselves in addition to the wheelchair seat.

Riders who may require assistance from the driver are encouraged to book by calling 800-727-0279 and letting the dispatcher know what assistance you require. The SMART Connect vehicle has three steps that ambulatory passengers must ascend to board, or the wheelchair lift can be utilized.

Accessibility at Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County Airport

Riders needing a wheelchair-accessible ride from the airport should wait at the ADA loading and unloading spot at the airport pickup and drop-off area, as shown in the diagram below. The shuttle driver will see that there is an accessible ride request and will go to this location to pick up the riders.

Customer Support

If you have trouble booking a trip on the Ride Pingo app, please call 800-727-0279 for assistance booking a trip. For technical issues, Ride Pingo app support can be found within the Help menu of the app. For other customer service inquiries, please call SMART Customer Service at 707-794-3330 (TTY 771).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SMART Connect?

SMART Connect shuttle is an all-electric, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, equipped with comfortable seating, luggage space, and modern amenities. It provides a first and last-mile connection between the SMART Sonoma County Airport Station and the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, and the surrounding business corridor.

How long will I have to wait for SMART Connect?

The estimated wait time is 5-15 minutes, depending on demand. Once a ride is booked, riders can monitor the real-time location of the SMART Connect shuttle. Rides booked over the phone will receive a estimated pickup time from the dispatcher and an automated call when the vehicle has arrived at the pickup location.

Will I make my train connection?

For on-demand rides, the Ride Pingo app utilizes a feature called Transit Connect, where the routing software will prioritize train connections. When selecting the SMART Sonoma County Airport station as the destination, riders will be prompted to select which train they would like to meet, and the routing software takes care of the rest.

How far in advance can I pre-book a ride on SMART Connect?

Rides may be pre-booked up to two weeks in advance or as little as one hour prior. Passengers taking the train to the Sonoma County Airport are encouraged to pre-book their SMART Connect ride, which will give an estimated arrival time; passengers should generally allow for 10-20 minutes of travel time to the airport.

Does a SMART Connect ride need to start or end at the Airport or Train Station?

Riders can use SMART Connect for any origin and destination within the service zone.

Can I board the shuttle without a prior reservation?

Because SMART Connect is dynamically routed based on trip requests, riders are encouraged to book rides before boarding the shuttle. However, walk-ons can be accommodated if space permits.

Will I always receive a ride?

If SMART Connect is experiencing very high demand, your initial ride request may not be accepted. But please try again in a few minutes. Once other riders have completed their trips, your request may be accepted.

Can I bring a child or baby aboard?

Riders of all ages are welcome. Please bring a car seat or booster seat for small children who need them—these safety restraints are recommended but not required. All children, regardless of age, must be identified as an “additional passenger” when booking your ride. And each rider must be at least 13 years old to ride alone.

How do I contact customer service assistance for SMART Connect?

If you have trouble booking a trip on the Ride Pingo app, please call 800-727-0279 for assistance booking a trip. Ride Pingo app support can be found within the Help menu of the app for all technical issues. For other customer service inquiries, please call SMART Customer Service at 707-794-3330 (TTY 711).

Are pets and service animals allowed aboard SMART Connect?

Service animals are welcome to ride in SMART Connect vehicles without restrictions. Other dogs and cats must be in an airline-approved carrier to ride.

Can I book a ride for a group on SMART Connect?

SMART Connect is open to the public but isn’t designed for large groups. You can request a ride for up to 10 passengers at a time. If you are making a reservation by phone, please notify the agent of the total number of passengers in your group. SMART Connect will try to meet all requested trips but cannot guarantee seating for large groups.

What type of vehicle is the SMART Connect shuttle?

SMART Connect is an ADA-compliant battery-electric 10-passenger van manufactured by GreenPower Motor Company.

Is there a lost and found for items lost on SMART Connect?

For items lost on SMART Connect, contact SMART Customer Service at 707-794-3330 (TTY 711). Recovered items can be picked up at SMART’s Petaluma Office at 5401 Old Redwood Hwy, Suite 200, Petaluma, CA 94954.