SMART Train general manager on why service is seeing surge in ridership

(KRON) — The SMART Train, serving the Sonoma-Marin area, is experiencing a 40% increase in ridership compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to General Manager Eddie Cummings.
The SMART train offers diverse transit options for commuters, seniors, and youth, with stops from Larkspur to Santa Rosa and plans to extend service to Windsor by the end of the month.

“Our ridership has well above pre-pandemic levels, about 40% above pre-pandemic,” said Cummings, speaking to KRON4’s Justine Waldman.

SMART train is planning to extend its service further north to Healdsburg by 2028, expanding its reach in the region. The transit system is funded by a sales tax that is set to expire in 2028, and discussions are underway to place a sales tax extension on the ballot in 2026.

SMART train currently offers free fares for youth under 18 and seniors over 65, making it accessible to a broad range of riders.

The SMART train system includes stations in San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, and Santa Rosa, with future plans to reach Healdsburg.

(Watch the entire interview in the player above)

All facts from this article were gathered by KRON4 journalists. The article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KRON4 staff.