Petaluma gives input as SMART progresses

A recent Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit community design workshop is the latest in a series of steps that could bring a commuter train to Petaluma by 2014.

The Feb. 9 workshop addressed design aspects for Petaluma’s stops along the SMART rail line. About 50 residents showed up to the Petaluma Community Center to give their preliminary input on the design to SMART representatives.

“People want something that reflects their community and also that fits in with rest of the rail line,” said Chris Coursey, community outreach and education manager for SMART.

“One of the issues that we need to work through is the platforms that are being proposed,” said Mayor Pam Torliatt. The platforms are very tall, said Torliatt, and people voiced concerns about making sure the platforms are pedestrian-friendly and fit in with the historic feel of the city.

“We want to make sure that the platform stays in character with what we have planned for the area,” said Torliatt.

Two station stops are proposed in town, one at the old railroad depot on Lakeville Street near downtown, and one on Corona Road.

“Downtown will be the primary stop because of the population density,” said Torliatt.

SMART representatives will take the input they received from residents and schedule more community meetings in a few months to present preliminary drawings for the stops. Earlier meetings determined what commuters wanted inside the trains, including bicycle racks, wireless Internet, power outlets, work tables, drinks and snacks. SMART will finalize the interior design by mid-April to present to train manufacturers.

The SMART system could come to Petaluma by 2014 at the earliest. SMART originally planned to build the entire $590 million commuter line from Larkspur to Cloverdale by 2014, but the economy dealt a $155 million budget gap, forcing them to reconsider the timing of the rail line.

SMART officials recently learned that they will not be considered for federal rail funds from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

“They were reluctant to put us on their priority list,” said Coursey, adding that the MTC decided to direct federal funds to the Bay Area Rapid Transit system. The MTC will continue to look for regional funds and other sources to make up the cost for the SMART system.

“They do control a lot of transportation money for the Bay Area,” said Coursey.

SMART has the money now to complete the current design and engineering phase. Coursey said that SMART will continue to communicate with the MTC and look at other op-tions to fund the rail system.

“They are saying ‘there are other ways we can help you,’” Coursey said about the MTC. “Those discussions are going to go on for a while.”

(Contact Philip Riley at philip.riley@arguscourier.com)