Bikes on Bay Area rails

Earlier this month, Caltrain instituted a “Bikes Board First” procedure at all stations.

The procedure allows riders with bicycles to board first onto designated bike cars once exiting passengers have left. Caltrain ambassadors have been on site at various stations during peak commute hours to help with implementation. The initial bikes first pilot program began in April, 2018.

Also as of last week, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit service that connects Sonoma and Marin counties has now carried more than 100,000 bicyclists.

 “The bicycling community has been very supportive, taking their bikes on board as part of their daily commute and for recreation,” said SMART Board Chairman Gary Phillips.

Since opening its doors in August 2017, SMART passengers have included bicyclists who use their bikes to get to and from stations on a regular basis. SMART, the Bay Area’s newest transit system, recently celebrated carrying its 1 millionth rider, after operating for just over a year.

“There’s definitely more good news to come, as we prepare for the opening of the Larkspur extension later this year, and for the opening of two new stations,” said SMART Vice Chairwoman Barbara Pahre. “With four new train cars that will soon be added to the mix, we will be able to add a third car to some of our busiest runs.”

SMART is slated to open its Larkspur extension in late 2019, and plans to add two more two-car trains to its fleet this spring. Work is also underway on two new stations in Larkspur and in downtown Novato. SMART is also working on extending further north to Windsor by the end of 2021. 

Both Caltrain and SMART are supported by MTC.