Simulated SMART Train Service Starts At New Larkspur Station

LARKSPUR, CA — Simulated SMART train service to the new Larkspur station began over the weekend.

During simulated service, which started on Sunday, southbound trains will drop off passengers at the San Rafael Station, and then continue without passengers to the Larkspur Station, according to Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit. Northbound trains returning from Larkspur will pick up passengers at the San Rafael Station and continue to the Sonoma County Airport Station.

Simulated service, which will take place during normal service hours but not overnight, is the next step in preparing the Larkspur Station for regular service, according to SMART officials.

The testing period will "demonstrate the operational functioning of the full system from Sonoma County Airport Station to the Larkspur Station, including confirming the timetable and completing the training of all of SMART's crew members on the expanded territory," SMART officials said in a news release.

All other testing needed to open the Larkspur extension has been completed, SMART officials said. SMART plans to open the Larkspur and Novato Downtown stations by the end of the year.

Also see:

Testing Completed For SMART's Novato Downtown Station

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.