SMART Train Updates Schedule for Peak Hour Commuters

SMART has released an updated passenger train schedule today that takes into account public feedback, with shorter wait times during peak commute hours.

The updated schedule includes 34 trips each weekday, with the first southbound train pulling out at 4:19 a.m. from the Sonoma County Airport Station, and the first northbound train leaving downtown San Rafael at 5:59 a.m. The last southbound train leaves the Sonoma County Airport Station at 6:49 p.m. and the last northbound train leaves downtown San Rafael at 8:35 p.m. The full 43-mile trip —including stops at all 10 stations— takes 67 minutes. The schedule includes 10 weekend runs on Saturdays and Sundays designed to meet the Larkspur Ferry schedule. “Based on the feedback we received from the general public, businesses, and schools, we adjusted our schedule to shorten the wait times during the peak commuting hours,” said SMART Board Chairwoman Debora Fudge. “We also must take into account our current staffing levels, and coordinate with our transit partners so that our passengers can successfully make other public transit connections. It is difficult to find a schedule that works for everyone, but we feel this is a good start. Once we start service and learn more from our customers, and we are able to hire more engineers, we will certainly look at expanding this schedule.” The schedule is also timed to connect with SMART’s public transit partners, including Marin Transit, Sonoma County Transit, Golden Gate Transit, Petaluma Transit and Santa Rosa CityBus, to ensure a seamless commute. SMART’s rail service uses Clipper® cards for fare collection.