SMART on a Roll: Record Ridership and Expanded Service in the North Bay

Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART), Petaluma, CA, the North Bay’s passenger rail service, is on an impressive trajectory. Serving Sonoma and Marin counties, SMART recently celebrated two major service expansions: the opening of a new infill station in northern Petaluma and the much-anticipated opening of an extension north to Windsor. These investments are already paying dividends in service reach and ridership, strengthening SMART’s role as a critical connector across the region.

SMART’s ridership surge is outpacing trends seen across much of the U.S. passenger rail sector. Over the past year, SMART’s ridership has climbed an impressive 38 percent, with monthly totals now averaging 140 percent of pre-pandemic levels, a record recovery rate in the San Francisco Bay Area. This recovery is based in strong bidirectional travel patterns on the corridor, and underscores the growing community demand for reliable, sustainable, and integrated transit options throughout the North Bay.

Importantly, SMART’s service supports a wide range of trips. Riders use SMART not only for daily commuting but also for leisure travel, special events, and tourism. In April 2024, SMART launched a free-fare program for youth and seniors, which has doubled youth and senior ridership onboard the system, supporting school trips, off-peak travel, and a wide range of trip purposes.

SMART stands out nationally for its integrated approach to rail and active transportation planning. It is unique among U.S. passenger rail systems to have a dedicated, corridor-wide bicycle and pedestrian pathway running parallel to its rail line. The current 39 miles of SMART Pathway provide critical first- and last-mile connections to rail stations, offering a safe, separate facility for walking, biking, and rolling between and within communities.

When completed, the SMART Pathway will be the southern portion of the Great Redwood Trail—an ambitious 307-mile multiuse corridor that will eventually link San Francisco Bay to Humboldt Bay.

Beyond transportation, SMART plays an integral role in supporting the economic fabric of the North Bay. By connecting workers to employment centers, linking communities to regional attractions, and promoting local tourism, SMART strengthens economic vitality while offering a sustainable alternative to car travel.

As SMART continues to build momentum, its blend of rail innovation, active transportation infrastructure, and community investment offers a compelling blueprint for the future of regional transit.