SMART train gets FRA approval to run (Vallejo, San Rafael: construction, bus)

[pvande55]

The FRA has approved the SMART train, so apparently it will start up soon. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/08/18...ning-for-real/
But I wonder who is expected to ride it. Since it can't cross the Golden Gate, a ride to SF would require a bus or ferry. Or is it mostly local riders? I suppose time will tell.

[kgbnsf]

Traffic is horrible on the stretch that the train will be running. People will jump at the chance to avoid it, ferry ride and all. Now if they had to swim across....

There was a time where trains didn't cross the day and ending at a ferry terminus was the norm. It worked fine then.

[Ruth4Truth]

Yes, it's for commuters to SF, mainly, OP.

[shooting4life]

Originally Posted by kgbnsf

Traffic is horrible on the stretch that the train will be running. People will jump at the chance to avoid it, ferry ride and all. Now if they had to swim across....

There was a time where trains didn't cross the day and ending at a ferry terminus was the norm. It worked fine then.

Back then the population of the Bay Area was under a million people.

[Ruth4Truth]

Speaking of Bay ferries, and life before millions of people, I did a genealogy for our extended family, and discovered that back after Vallejo had just been created, a great-uncle of mine had a farm there, and would send milk to SF by ferry. The Vallejo ferry has been around a long time.

[raider21]

its primary goal should have been Larkspur ferry so only one switch to ferry and into SF. Their goal, seemed to be, to get you to Central San Rafael, the hub of the Bay Area. SMH.......at least they came to their senses but how did you not know that should have been the goal of the project? easier access to SF

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Originally Posted by pvande55

The FRA has approved the SMART train, so apparently it will start up soon. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/08/18...ning-for-real/
But I wonder who is expected to ride it. Since it can't cross the Golden Gate, a ride to SF would require a bus or ferry. Or is it mostly local riders? I suppose time will tell.

Another train to no where.

Without a direct rail connection to the core of the Bay Area, this system is a complete joke.

[sav858]

Originally Posted by raider21

its primary goal should have been Larkspur ferry so only one switch to ferry and into SF. Their goal, seemed to be, to get you to Central San Rafael, the hub of the Bay Area. SMH.......at least they came to their senses but how did you not know that should have been the goal of the project? easier access to SF

That was and still is its primary goal, there wasn't enough funding at the time to do the connection when they started building the system. But the connection is set to begin construction soon and open in 2019.

SMART Train will build link to Larkspur Ferry

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Originally Posted by sav858

That was and still is its primary goal, there wasn't enough funding at the time to do the connection when they started building the system. But the connection is set to begin construction soon and open in 2019.

SMART Train will build link to Larkspur Ferry

Even then, what a joke.

Anyone here ever done a commute using the GG Ferry?

I suppose it's OK if you are a complete 9-5er.

[sav858]

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

Even then, what a joke.

Anyone here ever done a commute using the GG Ferry?

I suppose it's OK if you are a complete 9-5er.

Most Commuter Rail passengers are hence the name and lack of midday service. I don't think the # of potential riders would justify a direct rail connection across the Golden Gate or SF Bay directly into SF given the costs.