METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

TRC Celebrates SMART Launch

The event marks the launch of a five-year contract originally announced by TRC in March 2023.

TRC Celebrates SMART Launch

SMART is the North Bay’s passenger rail serving Marin and Sonoma counties. 

Photo: TRC

2 min to read


The Routing Company (TRC) celebrated Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) as it cut the ribbon on its brand new on-demand SMART Connect service, powered by TRC’s Ride Pingo.

The event marks the launch of a five-year contract originally announced by TRC in March 2023.

Ad Loading...

TRC participated in the ribbon cutting at SMART’s Sonoma County Airport station alongside California Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire, SMART Board Chair Eric Lucan, SMART Board Vice Chair Melanie Bagby, SMART General Manager Eddy Cumins, and Sonoma County Airport Manager Jon Stout.

What is SMART?

SMART is the North Bay’s passenger rail serving Marin and Sonoma counties.

Its current 45-mile system is responsible for nearly 500,000 passenger trips annually and  includes stations in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma, Novato, San Rafael, and Larkspur. 

TRC partnered with SMART to offer accessible on-demand service and transit connections through SMART Connect – ultimately providing first-and-last-mile solutions for North Bay residents.

The service is beginning with the Sonoma County Airport Station with the potential to expand to remaining stations.

Ad Loading...

TRC's Full Pingo Suite

SMART’s deployment uses TRC’s full Pingo suite including the Ride Pingo app for riders, the Drive Pingo app for drivers, and the cloud-based Pingo Dashboard for fleet operators.

Features include Transit Connect, which uses real-time data to guarantee transit connections for riders, and Pingo Journey.

“We are excited to welcome passengers on board SMART Connect and look forward to providing a seamless and efficient train-to-airport connection. Additionally, this innovative microtransit service will reduce car trips and support local employers by helping people get to and from this busy business corridor,” said Eric Lucan, chair, SMART Board of Directors.

What to Look For: TRC Launches Transit Protect

More Rail

MTA Metro-North Railroad railcar up close
Railby StaffMay 22, 2026

New York MTA Issues RFP for 252 Metro-North Passenger Cars

The competitive RFP includes an option to purchase an additional 377 cars, reserved for future expansions of the Metro-North service area. 

Read More →
Tri-Rail Train
Railby StaffMay 22, 2026

SFRTA Partners on “Are You OK?” Mental Health Awareness Campaign

Supported by a $56,500 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration, the program will combine targeted public education campaigns with specialized training for SFRTA employees, contractors, and regional partners.

Read More →
The inside of a rail car with passengers, and a surveillance camera fixed to the ceiling.
RailMay 22, 2026

Major Rail Projects Don’t Have to Mean Major Security Gaps

Crowded platforms. Temporary routes. New risks. Discover why video tech is critical during rail upgrades.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An Amtrak Acela train at New York Penn Station
Railby StaffMay 21, 2026

Penn Transformation Partners Named as Master Developer Team for New York Penn Station Renovation

The team of Halmar and Skanska will build a brand-new station that will provide daily commuters and tourists with a more seamless travel experience through a vibrant gateway into America’s largest city, said Amtrak.

Read More →
A man stands at a podium in front of a large crowd.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMay 21, 2026

REM West Island Extension Opens, Expanding Montreal Automated Rail Network

The expansion adds four stations and extends Montreal’s automated REM network deeper into the region with a new all-electric transit service.

Read More →
Richard Andreski, Maggie Adams, and Lilia Montoya
Managementby StaffMay 21, 2026

People Movement: Montoya to Lead Delaware, Andreski Extended in Fort Worth, and More

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at Trinity Metro, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffMay 21, 2026

California's OCTA Proposes 2026-27 Balanced Budget to Advance Transportation

The proposed budget, totaling approximately $2 billion, advances key transportation initiatives while ensuring all services, programs, and projects can be delivered to residents not only next year but well into the future.

Read More →
KC Streetcar Riverfront extension with graffiti wall
Railby StaffMay 19, 2026

KC Streetcar Expansion Strengthens Access to City’s Growing Riverfront

The project adds 0.7 miles of track to the existing KC Streetcar line, connecting north from the River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park.

Read More →
An Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset at a station.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMay 19, 2026

First Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset Arrives in Pacific Northwest for Final Testing

Take a closer look at the next generation of Amtrak Cascades service as the first Airo trainset prepares for passenger operations in the Pacific Northwest.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
MBTA Green Line Construction
Railby StaffMay 18, 2026

Boston's MBTA Completes Latest Green Line Work

The work took place during 12 consecutive days of shuttle bus service replacement between Kenmore and Cleveland Circle. 

Read More →