Service To Start At Larkspur, Downtown Novato SMART Stations

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit will open two new stations in Marin County with ribbon-cutting ceremonies this week.

The ceremony at the Larkspur Station ceremony is 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, followed by festivities and refreshments at the Marin Country Mart at 2257 Larkspur Circle across from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal.

The opening of the station provides a "stress-free" way to travel between Marin and Sonoma counties and San Francisco, according to SMART officials.

"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. "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."

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.

The Novato Downtown Station ceremony is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the station at Grant and Railroad avenues. SMART will also accept unwrapped toys and gift cards for its annual Holiday Express Toy Drive at the event.

Previous coverage: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Set For Novato Downtown SMART Station

Limited weekend and holiday service will begin at both new stations Saturday, according to SMART. Full service will begin in January.