New SMART Station Opens In Larkspur: PHOTOS

LARKSPUR, CA — Despite the wet weather, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit officials, town officials and community members celebrated the opening of the new Larkspur station Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The opening of the station at 600 Larkspur Landing Circle provides an "economical, climate-friendly and stress-free" way to travel between Marin and Sonoma counties and San Francisco, according to SMART officials. Train service to Larkspur will be coordinated with the Golden Gate Ferry.

"The new Larkspur station will offer a vital connection to the Bay Area for commuters and visitors alike via the Golden Gate Ferry," SMART officials said in a press release.

"The Larkspur station will also serve as a gateway for tourists wishing to visit Marin and Sonoma counties. SMART will be working with business leaders to attract visitors to travel by train for tourism and recreation to the beautiful North Bay."

• Previous coverage: Simulated SMART Train Service Starts At New Larkspur Station

The 45-mile rail line begins north of Santa Rosa not far from the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport and now ends at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal. The two-mile extension to Larkspur cost $55.4 million.

Limited weekend and holiday service will begin Saturday, when SMART officials hold another ribbon-cutting ceremony for the downtown Novato station at Grant and Railroad avenues. View the new schedule.

• Previous coverage: Ceremony Set For Novato Downtown SMART Station

The photos taken at the ceremony were captured courtesy of local photographer Al Francis of Napasonomaphotos.com.