Media Center
Media Contact Information
Julia Gonzalez, Communications and Marketing Manager
Phone: (707) 794-3063
Mobile: (707) 981-1028
Email: jgonzalez@sonomamarintrain.org
Phone: (707) 794-3063
Mobile: (707) 981-1028
Email: jgonzalez@sonomamarintrain.org
2025 – Media Releases
- June 7, 2025: SMART in line to be awarded $81M by State of California to extend passenger rail service to northern Sonoma County
- May 30, 2025: SMART launches passenger service to new Windsor station on Saturday, May 31, 2025
- April 22, 2025: SMART postpones the Step. Pedal. Glide. pathway celebrations
- April 21, 2025: Shuttle connecting SMART Larkspur station and ferry terminal expands to 7 days per week
- April 9, 2025: Community walk and bike rides celebrating new SMART pathway segments
- March 14, 2025: SMART to commence systems testing in preparation for opening the Windsor station
2024 – Media Releases
- December 15, 2024: SMART extends temporary full system closure through December 16
- December 3, 2025: All aboard for holiday giving during the Transit Toy Drive on Saturday, December 7
- November 19, 2025: SMART Grand Opening celebration for bicycle and pedestrian pathway segment in San Rafael postponed due to weather
- November 18, 2024: SMART to temporarily close full system December 14 - 15
- November 12, 2024: SMART announces grand opening celebration for bicycle and pedestrian pathway segment in San Rafael
- October 25, 2024: SMART awarded $81M by State of California to extend passenger rail service to northern Sonoma County
- September 11, 2024: SMART receives $7M grant for bicycle and pedestrian pathway in Santa Rosa
- August 22, 2024: SMART expands service area of SMART Connect Airport Station shuttle
- July 18, 2024: Record number of school commuters expected on SMART this fall
- June 19, 2024: SMART launches new shuttle connecting Larkspur station and ferry terminal
- June 7, 2024: SMART breaks ground on Rohnert Park–Santa Rosa pathway: A green step forward for North Bay
- May 1, 2024: SMART sets new record for green transit choice with unprecedented ridership
- April 1, 2024: Youth and seniors now ride fare free on SMART
- March 14, 2024: SMART to temporarily close part of system March 23–24 and April 13–14 for construction of new Petaluma North station
- February 1, 2024: SMART Tracks to Taps campaign promotes local craft breweries
2023 – Media Releases
- October 5, 2023: October issue of the On Track newsletter
- September 25, 2023: SMART awarded $32M for extension of passenger rail to Healdsburg and purchase of low emission freight locomotives
- September 11, 2023: Petaluma's Meridian at Petaluma North Station Project Receives $30.2M for Affordable Housing
- September 6, 2023: September issue of the On Track newsletter
- August 3, 2023: August issue of the On Track newsletter
- July 18, 2023: SMART reduces price of 31-Day Pass in response to hybrid work week
- July 5, 2023: SMART secures critical funding for construction of extensions to Windsor and Healdsburg
- June 23, 2023: SMART will offer expanded late evening service for the Marin County Fair
- June 13, 2023: SMART launches on demand microtransit shuttle with ribbon cutting celebration
- May 16, 2023: Free public transit for K-12 youth in Marin and Sonoma counties during June, July, and August 2023
- May 8, 2023: State Highway 37 will be closed Saturday, May 20 – Sunday, May 21 to repair railroad crossing near junction with Highway 121 at Sears Point
- April 5, 2023: City of Santa Rosa offering discounted parking permit for SMART rail communters
- February 8, 2023: SMART pathway funds programmed for Marin and Sonoma by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission
- January 31, 2023: SMART secures $34M toward the construction of the system's northern extensions
- January 26, 2023: Supreme Court ruling on RM3 positions SMART to be able to construct northern extensions
2022 – Media Releases
- December 29, 2022: $1.8M in Federal Funding for Design of SMART Extension to Healdsburg
- November 29, 2022: SMART will host annual Holiday Express Toy Drive on December 3
- October 21, 2022: SMART and City of Petaluma announce Grand Opening celebration for bicycle and pedestrian pathway
- October 19, 2022: SMART announces NEW school field trip program
- September 7, 2022: SMART will offer NEW midday train service and improved connections to the Golden Gate ferry
- August 24, 2022: SMART marks 5th anniversary of startup of passenger service
- August 17, 2022: SMART extends reduced fares, suspension of parking fees at SMART parking lots through June 30, 2023
- July 3, 2022: SMART and City of Petaluma announce $13M received for major transportation improvements in Petaluma
- June 1, 2022: SMART announces special San Francisco Giants ferry service on June 12 and 26
- May 4, 2022: SMART announces 10 trips added to its weekday schedule beginning on Monday, June 13
- April 7, 2022: SMART announces Sunday service returns on May 1
- March 31, 2022: SMART seeks community input on Planning for the Future initiative
- March 16, 2022: SMART extends promotional fares, removes parking fees at SMART parking lots
- March 7, 2022: SMART announces two to graduate from in-house training program for essential railroad positions
2021 – Media Releases
- October 20, 2021: SMART appoints Eddy Cumins as new General Manager
- May 26, 2021: SMART statement regarding incident at the Santa Clara Valley Transit Valley Transit Authority
- May 19, 2021: SMART launches Welcome Back Campaign with a new expanded service schedule and reduced fares
- April 23, 2021: SMART Board of Directors approve $21.4 million Capital Improvement Plan
- March 19, 2021: Lawsuit challenges construction or planned construction of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District's pathway along the railroad right-of-way
- March 16, 2021: SMART announces new UV light sterilization upgrades are completed
- February 24, 2021: SMART, Marin Transit, and Golden Gate Offer Free Rides to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
- January 29, 2021: State of California awards SMART $1.45M for Freight Rail Investments
2020 – Media Releases
- December 16, 2020: SMART announces in-house training program for essential positions
- November 19, 2020: SMART To Join Bay Area Low-Income Fare Program
- November 4, 2020: SMART hires Heather McKillop as new CFO
- October 30, 2020: SMART cuts costs by refinancing construction bonds
- October 12, 2020: SMART receives AA rating on refinancing its construction bonds
- June 17, 2020: SMART Board of Directors authorize funds for a second train station in Petaluma
- May 11, 2020: SMART seeks community input on proposed service reductions
- April 17, 2020: SMART Citizen Oversight Committee to meet via Zoom teleconference
- April 10, 2020: SMART to hold Board of Directors Meeting via Zoom teleconference
- April 3, 2020: SMART will implement further temporary reductions to service levels on Monday, April 6
- March 20, 2020: SMART makes additional schedule changes amid statewide Shelter in Place Orders
- March 17, 2020: SMART to cancel selected weekday train trips due to shelter-in-place orders for Marin and Sonoma counties
- March 16, 2020: SMART is temporarily cancelling weekend train service
- March 5, 2020: SMART is taking proactive measures regarding the coronavirus
- March 2, 2020: SMART ridership rises 40% over last year
- February 6, 2020: SMART ridership gropws 26% in January, 2020
- February 5, 2020: SMART establishes a 50% discount fare policy for low-income riders
- January 15, 2020: SMART's green commuters reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 33% compared to using an automobile
2019 – Media Releases
- December 31, 2019: SMART launches into 2020 with a new schedule
- December 6, 2019: SMART will begin passenger service to the new Larkspur and Downtown Novato stations on December 14, 2019
- November 27, 2019: SMART will offer fare-FREE service during the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend
- November 21, 2019: SMART announces new train schedule to take effect on January 1, 2020
- November 18, 2019: SMART announces new Communications and Marketing Manager
- November 14, 2019: SMART to begin simulated service for the Larkspur station on Sunday, November 17
- November 13, 2019: SMART completes testing for the Novato Downtown station
- November 8, 2019: SMART offers veterans and active-duty military personnel, and their families free train service on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11
- November 6, 2019: SMART to operate a bus bridge from Petaluma to Novato on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10
- October 30, 2019: North Santa Rosa evacuation orders lifted, SMART to serve all stations - Sonoma County Airport to San Rafael beginning October 31; SMART continues free service
- October 29: SMART will run free limited service Wednesday, October 30 - Wednesday, November 6
- October 28, 2019: SMART to cancel Tuesday, October 29 train service due to Public Safety Power Shutdown impacts on local city traffic signal systems
- October 27, 2019: SMART to cancel Monday, October 28 train service due to Public Safety Power Shutdown impacts on local city traffic systems
- October 27, 2019: SMART to cancel train service due to malfunction of local traffic signal systems resulting from Public Safety Power Shutdown
- September 19, 2019: Law enforcement agencies to join SMART in promoting rail safety
- August 28, 2019: SMART to post schedule for overnight testing
- August 19, 2019: In preparation for opening the Larkspur Extension SMART to conduct overnight testing of train control systems
- June 12, 2019: SMART to add a late-night train run during the Marin County Fair
- June 4, 2019: SMART San Rafael Station and a portion of 3rd street in San Rafael closed this weekend for Larkspur extension construction
- May 29, 2019: Weekend Street Closures: SMART to close portion of 2nd and 3rd streets in San Rafael for Larkspur extension construction
- May 23, 2019: SMART to kick-off free weekend rides for youth 18 and under this summer
- May 22, 2019: SMART to offer free train service Memorial Day weekend for veterans, and active duty military personnel
- May 16, 2019: SMART, Sonoma County and Marin County offer veterans, and active duty military personnel and their families free train service and free entry to regional parks on Memorial Day weekend
- May 15, 2019: SMART to offer free rides on weekends this summer for youth 18 and under
- May 14, 2019: SMART to close portion of 2nd and 3rd streets in San Rafael for Larkspur extension construction
- March 13, 2019: SMART to surpass the 100,000-cyclist mark
- January 31, 2019: SMART recommended to receive for $12.6 million grant for bicycle and pedestrian pathway
- January 15, 2019: SMART trains poised to reach the 1 million passenger mark
- January 9, 2019: SMART conducting overnight testing for the City of Petaluma this week
2018 – Media Releases
- December 10, 2018: SMART conducts overnight vehicle safety testing on four new rail cars
- December 3, 2018: SMART’s Holiday Express Toy Drive Train debuts Saturday
- November 14, 2018: SMART to clear brush along rail corridor
- September 13, 2018: Join SMART in Promoting Rail Safety
- August 15, 2018: SMART celebrates its first year of service with a festival on August 18 and free train service on the weekend of the event
- July 18, 2018: SMART celebrates its first year of service with a festival on August 18 and free train service on the weekend of the event
- May 24, 2018: SMART Receives Transit/Rail Project of the Year Award
- April 27, 2018: Freight Operator Northwestern Pacific Railroad Co. to Conduct Positive Train Control Testing in Santa Rosa
- April 26, 2018: SMART receives $21 million in state funding for its extension to Windsor
- April 9, 2018: SMART secures funding from the Federal Transit Administration for the Larkspur extension
- April 4, 2018: Freight Operator Northwestern Pacific Railroad Company to conduct Positive Train Control testing in Rohnert Park
- March 28, 2018: Freight Operator Northwestern Pacific Railroad Company to begin Positive Train Control testing in the North Bay
- March 12, 2018: SMART’s finances earn high marks from major credit rating firm
- January 31, 2018: SMART Service Resumes Schedule
- January 30, 2018: SMART awarded $10.5 million in Senate Bill 1 funding
- January 5, 2018: SMART to add third car to popular commuter train
2017 – Media Releases
- December 6, 2017: SMART Holiday Express toy drive expands to meet growing need
- November 15, 2017: SMART launches two programs for businesses and individuals impacted by the Sonoma County fires
- October 17, 2017: SMART continues to provide free service through Friday to assist those needing transportation
- October 15, 2017: SMART to reopen Sonoma County Airport and Santa Rosa North stations Monday and continue free service
- October 11, 2017: SMART continues free train service through Sunday
- October 10, 2017: SMART continues free train service with 28 daily trips
- October 9, 2017: SMART will run free limited service Tuesday
- October 9, 2017: SMART resumes limited emergency service with roundtrips from downtown Santa Rosa to downtown San Rafael
- October 9, 2017: SMART morning service canceled due to extreme fire conditions
- September 28, 2017: Construction News Advisory: Road Closure at Francisco Blvd. West
- August 22, 2017: SMART hosts Grand Opening Celebration for the public in Santa Rosa to commemorate the start of passenger service
- August 17, 2017: SMART receives final approval from the Federal Railroad Administration: Full service to begin August 25
- July 13, 2017: SMART partners with Becoming Independent to offer onboard snack and beverage service for passengers
- July 3, 2017: SMART announces dates and schedule for free public Preview Rides in July
- June 28, 2017: SMART adds more trips for free public preview to Marin County Fair
- June 26, 2017: SMART begins free public preview rides this week
- June 21, 2017: SMART awards Larkspur Extension contract to Stacy and Witbeck/Herzog
- June 7, 2017: SMART "soft launch" to offer preview rides to the public
- June 6, 2017: Santa Rosa added to list of jurisdictions with Quiet Zones
- May 31, 2017: San Rafael Police Department to step-up enforcement at railroad crossings
- May 23, 2017: SMART adjusts passenger service schedule
- May 22, 2017: Petaluma added to list of jurisdictions with Quiet Zones
- May 17, 2017: SMART releases passenger train service schedule
- May 11, 2017: SMART to begin testing service schedule
- March 17, 2017: Daniel Hillmer joins SMART District Board of Directors
- January 18, 2017: SMART testing trains at increased speeds, reminds the public to be safe around trains and tracks<
- January 4, 2017: Debora Fudge selected to lead SMART Board of Directors
- January 4, 2017: SMART Board of Directors approve free introductory service for a limited period, plus a new monthly pass
2016 – Media Releases
- December 1, 2016: SMART Holiday Express toy drive
- November 7, 2016: SMART increases track speeds during testing
- September 26, 2016: SMART systemwide testing ramps up
- September 7, 2016: SMART advancing into next phase of systemwide testing
- August 31, 2016: SMART calls for proposals for concession services onboard trains
- August 19, 2016: SMART asks for feedback on bicycle parking plan
- August 11, 2016: Rep. Huffman announces $3 million in funding for Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District system
- June 22, 2016: New consensus to repurpose funding to 101 narrows and transit center
- June 10, 2016: SMART and Sonoma County Transit to hold public meeting on bus-train service connections
- April 13, 2016: Rail grinding and maintenance activities in San Rafael
- April 6, 2016: SMART receives key environmental approval for bicycle and pedestrian pathway
- April 7, 2016: SMART conducts systemwide testing
- February 26, 2016: City officials prepare for SMART passenger train to arrive in downtown San Rafael
- February 25, 2016: SMART passenger train to arrive in downtown San Rafael
- February 19, 2016: SMART hires communication and marketing manager