SMART To Resume Service Tuesday After 3-Day Closure

NORTH BAY, CA—Sonoma Marin-Area Rail Transit confirmed late Monday night that it would resume regular service Tuesday morning after a temporary weekend closure of the SMART system was extended through Monday.

Final train system testing for the new Petaluma North station was nearing completion late Monday night, SMART officials said in an email update.

"We understand the challenges this extended closure may have caused and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding throughout the process," officials said.

On a regular weekday schedule, the first train departs at 4:39 a.m. southbound from Sonoma County Airport and arrives at Larkspur at 5:58 a.m.

The first northbound train departs at 6:08 a.m. from Larkspur and arrives at the Sonoma County Airport station at 7:23 a.m.

SMART officials said unforeseen circumstances were encountered during the weekend testing for the new station, slated to open in early January. The agency also said recent storms caused downed trees and extensive damage to power poles and the SMART tracks.

"We regret any inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciate the patience of our riders as we work to address these unexpected challenges," SMART General Manager Eddy Cumins said when the closure was extended. "Providing reliable service to our riders is our top priority. SMART staff and contractors are working around the clock to restore service as soon as possible."

SMART will reimburse commute expenses incurred for taxi, Uber, Lyft —or equivalent— on Monday, Dec. 16, via value added to a Clipper Card. To request reimbursement, passengers must complete this form before the end of the day, Monday, Dec. 23.

SMART temporarily expanded its customer service hours to assist passengers with trip planning. Passengers were advised that Golden Gate Transit connects Sonoma and Marin counties to San Francisco and was expected to operate additional buses on Route 101 to accommodate the anticipated increase in ridership during the closure.

SMART evaluated alternative solutions, such as bus bridges, but said the significant delays and longer travel times would not reliably serve riders