Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District is in line for a $81 million award to extend its passenger rail service in Northern California. Also, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) releases details on a potential Santa Cruz-to-Pajaro passenger rail service; and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA/Metro) celebrates the official opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center station.
SMART
The State of California has recommended awarding SMART $81 million to extend its passenger rail service to communities in northern Sonoma County, SMART reported June 7. The funding would come from two grant programs—Solutions for Congested Corridors (SCCP) and Local Partnership Competitive (LPPC)—and be matched by $187.7 million in other secured federal, state, regional and local funds, according to the railroad. The SCCP award includes another $6 million for the acquisition of a zero-emission locomotive. SMART said these awards would help bring “environmentally friendly and modern rail service” from the newly opened Windsor Station north through Healdsburg to the northern Healdsburg city limits” (see map above).
“These project grant awards, led by the California State Transportation Agency, the California Transportation Commission, and in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (Caltrans), will significantly increase transit options for Bay Area and Northern Sonoma County residents and visitors,” SMART said. “The extension will provide a sustainable alternative to car travel by expanding passenger rail service and supporting active transportation through a new paved bicycle and pedestrian pathway. The new rail infrastructure is also planned to support future short line freight services, enhancing the region’s overall connectivity. Rail elements of the project bring essential upgrades such as new tracks, a new station, improved crossings, Positive Train Control (PTC) … technology, and expanded broadband capacity.”
According to SMART, the California Transportation Commission is scheduled to consider the recommended award for adoption at its June 16-27, 2025, meeting in San Francisco. The SMART Board is expected to consider awarding a Progressive Design Build delivery contract for the project in fall 2025, with construction work beginning as early as spring 2026 and wrapping up by the end of 2028…