California’s North Bay Area has secured funding to expand its Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) system through federal, state and local grants. The project will extend the existing rail corridor by approximately nine miles and include the construction of a new station in Healdsburg, and is scheduled to begin passenger service in late 2028. The expansion includes providing a direct transport link to San Francisco.

The extension is part of a regional strategy to enhance sustainable transport links within the North Bay area. Funding for the project has been secured through a mix of federal, state, and local grants. This includes $81 million from the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Programme and $62 million from the Solutions for Congested Corridors Programme, alongside $40 million in regional toll funds.

Infrastructure works currently underway include the rehabilitation of bridges, upgrades to grade crossings, and the installation of modern signalling and safety systems. The project also features the extension of the SMART multi-use pathway, a dedicated route for cyclists and pedestrians that runs parallel to the rail line.

The completed corridor will allow passengers to travel from Healdsburg to the Larkspur ferry terminal, providing a direct link to San Francisco. Officials stated the project is intended to reduce road congestion and lower carbon emissions by providing an alternative to car travel in the region.

“Completing the SMART corridor isn’t just a benefit for one community — it strengthens the entire North Bay and enhances how this region connects to the broader Bay Area,” said Stephanie Moulton-Peters, Vice Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.