SMART adopts fare rules

Officials overseeing the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit commuter train this week adopted rules for the fares that passengers will pay when the line is in operation late next year.

The SMART board of directors Wednesday approved categories for age discounts and discounts for transfers on other transit systems. The board is expected to set the actual fare that passengers will pay on the 43-mile rail line from Santa Rosa to San Rafael closer to the start of service next year.

According to the new rules, passengers will receive a 50 percent discount on fares if they are 5 to 18 years old, if they are 65 or older, or if they are disabled or eligible for Medicare.

“All the research shows that when you provide those financial incentives for those categories, people who need public transit in order to be mobile ... it does help the system as a whole,” said Sonoma County Supervisor Shirlee Zane, a SMART board member. “This is really critical.”

Passengers paying the full adult fare will receive a $1.50 discount on transfers to other lines, including Golden Gate Transit, Santa Rosa City Bus and Sonoma County Transit. Passengers paying the discounted SMART fare will get 75 cents off transfer fares.

Last year, SMART adopted the Clipper system to handle fares and transfers to other transit networks. The fare rules adopted this week are standard among other Clipper operators, including the bus lines serving Santa Rosa and Sonoma County.

The board last month opted to set zone-based fares, meaning passengers will pay more for longer trips instead of paying a flat fee.

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Brown at 521-5206 or matt.brown@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MattBrownPD.