Riders Corner | Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit

Riders' Corner

Welcome to Riders' Corner, our new online feature that addresses some of the most frequently asked questions from SMART passengers. If you have a question for us, email us at info@SonomaMarinTrain.org. See you onboard!

Q: How do I use the fare machine at the SMART stations?

Check out the walkthrough video below on how to use the fare machine.

 

 

Q: Do SMART 31-Day Pass holders receive transfer credits with partnering agencies?

Yes, all pass holders receive transfer discounts with our transit partners including Golden Gate Transit and Ferry, Sonoma County Transit, Marin Transit, Santa Rosa CityBus, and Petaluma Transit. If you believe you were not properly credited, please call Clipper customer service at (877) 878-8883. For detailed information on transfer discounts, visit www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/smart/fares.do.

 

Q: I connected to the internet at the train station. Why do I loose my internet connection when I board the train?

Internet access at SMART stations is covered by a different network provider. WiFi is not available on board the train.

Q: Will the schedule be adjusted to include more train runs during evenings, weekends, or the commute?

As we learn more about our ridership and increase our operations staff, we will be looking into making adjustments to best serve our riders. If you have feedback on our schedule, including times you would like to see service, contact us at info@SonomaMarinTrain.org.

 

Q: Where can I purchase a senior Clipper card?

Seniors 65 and older, youth ages 5 to 18 and passengers with disabilities receive a 50 percent discount on S.F. Bay Area fares.

Youth (ages 0-18) and seniors (ages 65+) ride fare free on SMART.

Discount Clipper cards for seniors and youth can be purchased at North Bay transit agencies, including our SMART office in Petaluma, located at 5401 Old Redwood Highway, suite 200.  Passengers with disabilities can also apply for their Regional Transit Connection (RTC) cards at SMART’s Petaluma office or other North Bay Transit agencies. For more information on discount Clipper cards visit Clipper’s website at: https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/discounts/index.do

 

Q: Is there a printable version of the schedule available?

Yes. You can find a printer-friendly train schedule on our website under the “Schedules” tab on the top of the page.

 

Q: How can I make other connections, such as the Sonoma County Airport or Larkspur Ferry?

We’ve compiled an informational page on our website for riders wishing to transfer to different transit agencies. Find your connections here: http://sonomamarintrain.org/transit-connections

 

Q: How do I park my car at the SMART lots?

Parking is complimentary during SMART train operational hours. Overnight parking is not permitted and sanctioned under local jurisdiction rules and procedures for vehicle removal. Vehicle removal costs will be at the owners expense.

 

Q: Is my 31-day pass active from the date of purchase?

The 31-day pass will become active the first time you tag on at the platform. From that point, it is good for 31 consecutive days.

 

Q: I have friends visiting from out of town that want to take a trip on SMART. Do they each need to purchase a Clipper card?

In addition to Clipper, SMART passengers can also use our SMART e-Ticket mobile app, which is perfect for visitors who may be riding less frequently. It also allows the user to purchase multiple tickets on a single device. Please note that SMART e-Tickets do not offer transfer credits on other transit agencies.

The SMART e-Ticket app is free and can be downloaded where you purchase apps for your iPhone or Android device. Begin by searching the keywords “Sonoma Marin train”. You will need an email and a credit card to create a profile and buy tickets.

Tickets can be purchased in advance, but do not activate your tickets until you are ready to board.

 

Q: How do I contact SMART’s Customer Service?

Contact SMART’s Customer Service Department by calling (707) 794-3330 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can also email us with customer service questions or comments to: CustomerService@SonomaMarinTrain.org.