SMART train adds third car for commute

Starting Monday, a third rail car has been added to more morning and afternoon Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit commuter runs, SMART officials said.

The added car will be on runs heading south from the Sonoma County airport station at 6:19 a.m., 9:49 a.m. and 12:49 p.m. and going north from the San Rafael station at 7:59 a.m., 11:29 a.m. and 2:29 p.m.

The change was prompted by demand and feedback from passengers, especially passengers boarding with bicycles.

Since Nov. 6, three-car service has been available on southbound trains from the Sonoma County airport station at 4:19 a.m., 7:19 a.m., 2:19 p.m. and 5:19 p.m.

SMART ridership has surpassed 250,000 riders since service began Aug. 25, with nearly 25,000 bicyclists using the service.