SMART seems to be making good on its promise to bring the commuter rail line north to Healdsburg in the foreseeable future, possibly by late 2028. That projection is bolstered by the opening of the Windsor train station over the weekend.
The final regulatory hurdle was crossed late last week, permitting the Sonoma Marin Area Rapid Transit system to begin regular operations. Trains began running on Saturday, and after a weekend of working out the kinks full weekday service began Monday morning.
The train station is built in a former depot, in service between 1900 and 1958 as a Northwestern Pacific rail station and then as a bus terminal. It has since been considerably updated and expanded to serve as a commercial arcade and home to the Windsor Chamber of Commerce. It is, as the rail transit company points out, “just steps from the Windsor Town Green… making it easier than ever to enjoy Windsor’s shops, restaurants, and events by train.”
The Town of Windsor is requesting Federal Railroad Administration approval to implement “quiet zones” as the trains approach the station. Routine train horn use at designated crossings will be eliminated between Shiloh Road and the station, except in emergency or safety-critical situations. The hope is that the quiet zones will become effective as early as mid-July, though it will possibly be somewhat later…