How Do You Spell Relief?
S-M-A-R-T
Tired of wasting hours sitting in traffic on Highway 101? Relief is on the way. You asked for a train and a train you shall get.
When it is fully built, SMART will offer clear sailing along the rail tracks that run from Cloverdale, through Healdsburg, Windsor, Santa Rosa and Petaluma; down to Novato, Marin, San Rafael and Larkspur. Running at a projected 70 miles an hour in brand new, clean diesel trains, SMART will allow you to get off of 101 and still get where you need to go – for work or for fun. Or if you must drive, SMART will spell relief by easing the burden on our congested roadways.
The 101 Train will help to cut greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the number of cars on the freeway in Sonoma and Marin County. Along with the environmental benefits, this will help to reduce commute times and improve the commonwealth of the North Bay. Near the train, we are building another way to stay green and eliminate profusion. The bike path is designed to promote healthy activity and to travel between neighboring cities without relying on vehicles.
We know it’s hard to be patient, but SMART is an exceedingly complex project. Phase I alone between San Rafael and Santa Rosa will require 37 miles of track, 9 stations, 1 tunnel (in addition to one already built last year), 20 bridges and 12 new trains. The project also includes train signaling and control, multiple construction and procurement contracts, and multi-layered regulatory, safety and quality hurdles.
All of which is to say we cannot waive a magic wand and get SMART up and running. But we are working hard every day to get SMART on the tracks. We know you’ll like what you see.