SMART launches on demand microtransit shuttle with ribbon cutting celebration

Petaluma, CA—On Friday, June 16 at 2:30 p.m., the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) will mark the launch of the new SMART Connect microtransit shuttle with a ribbon cutting celebration. The SMART Connect shuttle will provide a first and last-mile connection between the SMART Airport Station and the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS), and the surrounding business corridor.

Members of the media are invited to attend the ribbon cutting celebration at 1130 Airport Boulevard at the SMART Airport Station parking lot.

Photo Opportunities

SHUTTLE: The new SMART Connect shuttle will be on site. Media representatives will be able to board the shuttle and view the shuttle stop at the SMART Airport station.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Melanie Bagby, Vice Chair, SMART Board of Directors
Mike McGuire, California Senate Majority Leader
Eric Lucan, Chair, SMART Board of Directors
Eddy Cumins, General Manager, SMART
Jon Stout, Manager, Sonoma County Airport
 

Event Details and Parking Information

DATE:  Friday, June 16, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.

LOCATION:  1130 Airport Boulevard at the SMART Airport Station parking lot.

PARKING:  Event parking is available across the street at 404 Aviation Boulevard in the Sonoma County Water Agency's parking lot. There is easy access to the celebration site via the crosswalk at Airport Boulevard.

SMART TRAIN:  A northbound SMART train arrives at the Airport Station at 1:30 p.m.; train riders are welcome to enjoy our tented seating until the event begins. There are southbound train departures at 3:25 p.m. and 3:57 p.m

“The SMART Connect shuttle is going to be a game changer that will help make travel in and out of the Sonoma County Airport even more convenient. Commuters can now take the SMART train to the Airport Station and then immediately hop onto the shuttle which will connect them to the gorgeous new terminal. No parking. No stress. It’s all about easy with the new SMART Connect shuttle,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire.

SMART Connect will operate 7 days a week 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The one-way fare is $1.50 for adults, and $0.75 for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Passengers will be able to book a trip both in advance and on demand using the Ride Pingo™ app. The shuttle will pick up passengers at the SMART Airport Station, or any address within the approximately 1.5-mile service zone. Airport passengers will catch the shuttle at the bus stop just south of the terminal.

“We are excited about the new SMART Connect Shuttle. As our passenger numbers grow, having this connection between the train station and STS will help alleviate congestion and parking issues. We appreciate that the shuttle is not only environmentally friendly but also convenient and accessible to all,” said Jon Stout, Manager of the Sonoma County Airport.

The SMART Connect shuttle is an all-electric, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, equipped with comfortable seating and luggage space. The service is launching at the SMART Airport Station with the potential to add similar on demand service at other SMART stations.

For more information about the SMART Connect microtransit shuttle please visit www.sonomamarintrain.org/connect.