North Bay SMART Train System Has Cutting Edge Safety Feature

While Caltrain is working toward installing a key safety system, a North Bay rail line already has the feature.

Many railroads are still working to bring "positive train control" to their tracks. Federally-mandated positive train control is a system that essentially controls movements on the rails electronically to slow or stop trains before certain types of accidents can occur. 

Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit service, which began service in August 2017, was one of the first lines in the nation to have the safety feature. SMART service takes passengers from Santa Rosa to San Rafael and points in between, providing an option for commuters and taking cars off the busy Highway 101 corridor.

MTC has provided financial support for SMART, which is expected to add a Larkspur extension and downtown Novato station in 2019.