Sen. Dodd’s SMART Train Measure Clears Committee

SACRAMENTO – Legislation advanced today from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would help ensure continued operations of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit district by creating a voter-initiative process to extend critical sales-tax revenue.

“The SMART train is an incredible resource that helps achieve our goals of reducing emissions and providing an alternative to our congested highways,” Sen. Dodd said. “In every way, it lives up to its name -- SMART.  “But its future is in doubt without maintaining this critical revenue source. My bill allows the majority of voters to determine if we continue this essential and absolutely worthy rail line for generations to come. Past experience shows this is something voters want to do.”

The 45-mile commuter rail line running from Larkspur to north Santa Rosa opened in 2017 with funding from various sources including fares and a voter-authorized ¼-cent sales tax. In 2008, voters in the two counties approved the tax through 2029. However, a subsequent 2020 tax extension measure failed even though it had support from 54% of voters. Without the tax, which ends in five years, rail services would be seriously curtailed. SMART served over 640,000 riders in 2023, taking thousands of cars off the road, easing congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

Sen. Dodd’s Senate Bill 904 would allow a future tax extension measure to be filed by voters themselves, a tool already available to cities and counties. Once enough valid signatures are gathered, the voter-qualified ballot measures would be set for election and could be passed by a majority of those voting on the measure. Additionally, SB 904 makes changes to improve efficiencies in SMART’s operations and advances future northward and eastward extension of the service.

The bill is supported by SMART and Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore. It passed the Senate Elections committee today with overwhelming support after previously clearing the Senate Transportation committee. It heads next to Senate Appropriations.

“I applaud Sen. Dodd for pushing legislation that is practical, actionable and delivers for constituents,” Supervisor Gore said. “SB 904 is great for our region as it gives more options for transit connectivity for our rural communities.”

“The SMART board of directors have heard directly from the Marin County Civil Grand Jury and members of the public who are interested in protecting this forward-thinking, public commitment to sustainable transportation,” said Eric Lucan, SMART board chair and Marin County supervisor. “SB904 offers the citizens of Marin and Sonoma counties the opportunity to weigh in directly on their investment in this vital community infrastructure project.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.