California voters reauthorize sales tax for Sonoma-Marin rail district

In California's June 2 primary election, voters in Marin and Sonoma counties approved Measure B, which reauthorizes a quarter-cent sales tax that funds the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) district through 2059. The measure was approved by more than 70% of voters. 

The tax, first approved by voters in 2008, paid for the initial construction and operation of SMART and was due to expire in 2029.

"The SMART train and pathway have become an essential part of daily life for thousands of people, and this result reflects the community’s desire to see that continue,” said SMART Board Chair Chris Coursey in a press release.  

SMART serves more than 1.4 million passenger trips annually. According to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Regional Transit Passenger Snapshot Survey, 33% of SMART riders do not have access to a car.

“Measure B allows us to continue improving service, expanding the SMART Pathway, advancing rail extensions and delivering transportation solutions that strengthen our communities, support our economy and improve quality of life,” said SMART General Manager Eddy Cumins. 

SMART operates 48 miles of passenger-rail tracks, 39 miles of pedestrian and cycle pathways that connect to SMART stations and a freight-rail line. Future projects will add another 22 miles to the passenger-rail system, including extensions to Healdsburg and Cloverdale.