SMART Establishes 50% Discount Fare Policy For Low-Income Riders

PETALUMA, CA— The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District's Board of Directors on Wednesday approved a Low-Income Discount Fare policy to give riders with qualifying incomes a 50-percent discount on train fares — something the directors have sought since SMART service first launched in 2017, the agency said in a news release.

"SMART is part of the fabric of the North Bay and we need to continue to make access to the train affordable for all residents," SMART Board Chair Eric Lucan said. "With transportation costs being a sizable expense in a family’s budget, I’m pleased we now have the opportunity to offer a discounted fare for people with low incomes."

The opportunity, according to SMART, comes as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission is set to launch the Clipper START Low Income Fare Program this spring as a pilot program. Because transportation is a significant portion of many Bay Area household budgets, adults whose annual salary is $50,000 or less for a family of four will be eligible for discounts through Clipper START.

At Wednesday's SMART meeting, the Board of Directors authorized staff to submit a formal request to MTC to participate in the Clipper START Program.

"Being able to offer our riders with lower incomes a discount fare will increase access to reliable transit services connecting people to jobs, schools and city centers; which in other words is access to opportunity," SMART Board Member Shirlee Zane said.