The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit agency today is expected to authorize seeking proposals from manufacturers for its rail cars, the centerpiece of its 70-mile commute line that is scheduled to begin running in four years.
The agency is planning to buy 18 cars that will run in sets of two, with the ability to have a third car in place to meet times of higher demand.
The cars are expected to cost $80 million to $90 million and will be the face of the Cloverdale-Larkspur commute line.
The amenities will include some facing seats with a table in the middle, overhead storage racks, fold-down tables, WiFi Internet service, bicycle storage, restrooms and a snack bar.
Directors had also been leaning towards a design with a slanted nose to give the rail system a modern look.
The SMART board is meeting at 2 p.m. today in the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors chambers.
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