Penngrove, Cotati, Rohnert Park to get SMART quiet zone

Penngrove, Cotati and Rohnert Park are the most recent cities to receive approval for a SMART train quiet zone, which will go into effect Nov. 21 along the railroad tracks running through the communities.

Residents across the North Bay have been complaining about the trains’ horns since well before trains began carrying passengers Aug. 25.

Jurisdictions across the service area have filed such requests to silence the trains at railroad crossings, unless there is an emergency.

While quiet zones do limit the amount the train horns are used, it has no effect on the lights and bells which are activated when trains approach crossings.

You can reach Staff Writer Christi Warren at 707-521-5205 or christi.warren@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @SeaWarren.