Sonoma-Marin rail district funding will continue through 2059. Voters in Marin and Sonoma counties approved the sales tax that supports SMART.

Sonoma-Marin rail district tax backed by voters
Sonoma-Marin rail district tax backed by voters

As reported by Progressive Railroading⁠, the decision came in California’s June 2 primary election. Measure B was approved by more than 70% of voters. It reauthorizes a quarter-cent sales tax for the SMART district.

Voters first approved the tax in 2008. It helped pay for SMART’s initial construction and operations. Also, the new vote keeps that funding source in place beyond its previous 2029 expiry date.

Measure B renews SMART sales tax

SMART Board Chair Chris Coursey said in a press release:

“The SMART train and pathway have become an essential part of daily life for thousands of people, and this result reflects the community’s desire to see that continue,”

SMART serves more than 1.4 million passenger trips annually. According to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Regional Transit Passenger Snapshot Survey⁠, 33% of SMART riders do not have access to a car.

SMART General Manager Eddy Cumins said:

“Measure B allows us to continue improving service, expanding the SMART Pathway, advancing rail extensions and delivering transportation solutions that strengthen our communities, support our economy and improve quality of life,”

Sonoma-Marin rail district plans further extensions

SMART operates 48 miles of passenger-rail tracks. It also operates 39 miles of pedestrian and cycle pathways connected to its stations. Separately, the district operates a freight-rail line. Future projects will add another 22 miles to the passenger-rail system, including extensions to Healdsburg⁠ and Cloverdale.