SMART to surpass 1 million passengers

Jan. 16, 2019
Those riders on the train when the milestone is reached will be given free passes, which the agency says is a way of expressing gratitude, as well as a way for riders to share the train experience.

Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is set to surpass its 1-million-passenger mark by the end of the week of Jan. 14. Train riders who are onboard on that special day could be among the 1,500 riders who will receive passes for free train trips, SMART officials said. 

“We are fortunate and grateful to have such strong community support,” said Debora Fudge, chairwoman of SMART’s Board of Directors. “With each day that passes, we get closer and closer to reaching the million-rider mark. Our conductors are ready, and on the day we achieve that milestone, they will be handing out cards to passengers for free train trips. This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our riders and it is also a way for them to share their SMART train experience with a friend or family member.” 

SMART began operating just over a year ago on August 25, 2017, and is slated to open its Larkspur extension later this year. Work is also underway on two new stations in Larkspur and in downtown Novato. SMART is also working on extending further north to Windsor by the end of 2021. 

“This is just the beginning,” said Judy Arnold, vice chairwoman of SMART’s Board of Directors. “This year will be a banner year for SMART, with the opening of the Larkspur extension, two new stations coming online, and the addition of two new 2-car trains that will help us expand our schedule. SMART has had a strong start, and we plan to keep that momentum going until we get to Windsor, Healdsburg and Cloverdale.”

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content. 

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.  

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.