Sonoma and Marin county voters have overwhelmingly approved Measure B, securing a 30-year extension of the quarter-cent sales tax that funds half of the SMART rail system’s operations.
The Press Democrat reports the latest election results show the proposal passing by a wide margin, easily clearing the simple-majority threshold required for citizen-led initiatives following a recent state law change.
Jubilant transit officials say the victory prevents a looming shutdown of the train, which is currently seeing record-breaking ridership following the opening of new stations in Windsor and North Petaluma. Despite pushback from critics who argued the system remains heavily subsidized and fails to curb highway congestion, supporters credit the win to growing public appreciation for the expanding rail and pathway network.
The funding extension guarantees continued service for the existing 48-mile corridor and ensures planned expansions, like the upcoming Healdsburg service, remain on track.
