Welcome to

Friends of Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit

(SMART)

A citizens' group dedicated to realizing the benefits

of rail service in the North Bay


You are welcome to attend our monthly business meetings -- 

Meetings precede the SMART Board meetings
on the third Wednesday of each month.

For more information call:
Friends of SMART at (707) 578-9133

View the latest pictures and news about the Friends of SMART
at
 http://friendsofsmart.shutterfly.com .


Link to the Official SMART web-site: http://www.sonomamarintrain.org/     (You can view a video of railcars similar to those that SMART plans to use from the Hot Link at the bottom-left of the SMART home page.)


Now that the voters have approved sales tax funding for the SMART Train and Pathway, Friends of SMART is working to assist in delivering a superior project ahead of schedule and under budget.  Final design, selection of railcars, and acquisition of land for the maintenance facility are next steps, along with development of seamless train, bus & ferry service.  A structure to insure ongoing integration of transit in the North Bay will require the active cooperation of many different operating and funding agencies.  Your time, talents, insights, and experience can help SMART succeed.


Environmental, Fiscal & Railroad Property Developments

Friends of SMART closely follow the environmental, fiscal, and property issues that underlie the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit Project.

Funding for the project--a 1/4-cent sales tax in Marin & Sonoma counties--was approved by the voters at the November 2008 election.  The SMART Board has retained project management specialists to assure that the final engineering process is expeditious and thorough.  Negotiations with the North Coast Railroad Authority are under way to revise the operating agreement governing compatibility of freight and passenger services.  Novato has reviewed its proposed station locations and is recommending a station at Atherton Ave. and one at Hamilton.  Planning will soon begin for other stations including Larkspur, Jennings Ave., and Corona Rd.

The Railroad Square development in Santa Rosa has been delayed by the down real estate market, and the group managing the project has had to adapt to turmoil in the financial markets.   Negotiations between SMART, the city of Santa Rosa and the developers are supporting applications for funding from recently adopted state housing bond sources.  The City has adopted a Station Area Plan to optimize the use of properties within easy walking distance of the train station.  Implementation of the plan is requiring continued attention.


Research Reports

Some of the research reports produced for Friends of Smart by our volunteers are posted here: 


   

2007 review of NWP right-of-way options
Comparison of railcar emissions with auto, bus, locomotive
Chart showing comparative emissions


Data tables showing emissions, energy consumption, etc.
Experience in use of Biodiesel in rail, trucking, maritime environments
Funding of the SMART Project