Whether it’s your first ride or one of many, please join MCL and friends for this opportunity to learn from insiders about Marin’s only rail service and the role it plays in increasing Marin’s public transportation options and efficiency.

Friday, October 23, 2026
8:25 am–1:45 pm
Open to all–bring a friend!

Our SMART group seating is limited to 20—reserve your seats below!

The Itinerary:

• 8:25 gathering:  We gather at the SMART station platform at Larkspur Landing to meet with Marin Transit’s General Manager, Robert Betts. Robert will share updates on Marin and Sonoma transit agencies’ increasing coordination, streamlining, and new services.
• 9:12 departure: We board SMART’s northbound weekday train. The train (trip number 14) promptly leaves the station.
• MCL’s Land Use, Transportation & Water Committee Co-chair, Paul Jensen, will be our guide for the day. Paul will highlight points of history and interest along the rail right-of-way as we travel north.
• 9:57 arrival: We disembark at Petaluma North station to meet with SMART’s General Manager Eddy Cumins, Chief Engineer Bill Gamlen, and Planning Director Zoe Unruh. They will provide updates on future rail extensions, possible east-west passenger service to Vallejo, and SMART’s freight services. We will ask about opportunities that SMART may pursue to reduce its impacts and create a net positive for the environment.
• 10:29 departure: We reboard SMART’s northbound train (Trip number 16). and continue on to the end of the line in Windsor. We will then take the 11:14 southbound train (Trip number 21) back to Santa Rosa Downtown and lunch at Grossman’s Noshery across from the station.
• 12:33 departure:  Board SMART’s southbound train (trip number 23) for our return trip. There are no presentations scheduled for the return. Ahh… an opportunity to enjoy the scenery, chat with others, and catch up on reading or a favorite podcast.
• 1:42 arrival: We return to Larkspur Landing station.

Can’t join us from beginning to end?

The trip numbers referenced in the itinerary are listed in the SMART train schedule. Join us by hopping on our trip number at another station, or depart early if needed. Please let us know your plans.

Additional Details:

Registration includes treats and water refills. It does not include fares. Fares are free for ages 65 and older with proof-of-age ID.

We have preordered sandwiches at Grossman’s so we will have a space to sit outside together and chat during lunch. We hope you will join us.

To purchase fares, SMART encourages purchasing a Clipper Card or utilizing the SMART eTicket App. You may also tap a contactless-enabled credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay directly on a Clipper reader. Cash payment is not accepted on the train. For more info, see SMART’s Fares Overview.