SMART Connect microtransit shuttle
SMART Connect is an on-demand shared shuttle designed to provide first and last-mile service between the SMART Sonoma County Airport Station and the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS) and the surrounding business corridor. SMART Connect makes it easy to combine the train with air travel at the Sonoma County Airport while allowing commuters and local residents to ride the train to work and other destinations in the surrounding area. Brochure PDF
Ride Pingo App
Rides on the SMART Connect shuttle may be booked with the Ride Pingo App.
Hours of Service
The shuttle operates 8 AM – 6 PM, 7 days per week, and some holidays. All trips must start and end in the service zone. Weekday and weekend service zones are different.
Weekday Service Zone
The shuttle’s weekday service zone centers around the Sonoma County Airport (STS) and includes destinations such as American Ag Credit, Sonoma County Office of Education, Kendall JacksonEstate and Garden, Medtronic, Redwood Empire Food Bank, and the Pacific Coast Air Museum. Printable Weekday Service Zone
Weekend Service Zone
SMART Connect has an expanded service zone on Saturdays and Sundays. Book your ride to numerous destinations including wineries, breweries, and more. Printable Weekend Service Zone Printable Weekend Service Wineries
Connecting to the Sonoma County Airport (STS) from SMART
SMART Connect meets every northbound train at the SMART Sonoma County Airport station. For southbound trains, select the train station as your destination and the Ride Pingo app will ensure that you make your connection to SMART.
Catching the shuttle at the Sonoma County Airport
SMART Connect stops at the blue bus shelter outside the airport terminal. Hail a ride with the Ride Pingo app or call 800-727-0279 to schedule a pick up.
Book a Ride
Pay the Fare
- The one-way fare is $1.50 for adults and 75 cents for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities (youth K-12 ride free on the train and shuttle from Jun. 1–Aug. 31, 2023). Fare may be paid with a credit or debit card via the Ride Pingo app. Riders also can pay with a credit or debit card by calling 800-727-0279.
- Cash payment is accepted onboard, but exact change is required.
Accessibility
The shuttle is wheelchair accessible, with space for one wheelchair. Tap the accessibility icon in the upper right corner of the screen on the Ride Pingo app to turn on accessibility mode and notify the shuttle driver. 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 passengers must ascend to board.
Customer Support
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. 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.
Q2. 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.
Q3. 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.
Q4. 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.
Q5. 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.
Q6. 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.
Q7. Will I always receive a ride?
If SMART Connect is experiencing very high demand, your initial ride requestmay not be accepted. But please try again in a few minutes. Once other riders have completed their trips, your request may be accepted.
Q8. 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.
Q9. 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).
Q10. 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.
Q11. 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.
Q12. 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.
Q13. 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.