SACRAMENTO—Senator Mike McGuire has been a leader in moving the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) train forward, which is connecting North Bay communities and providing efficient and effective public transit for over 1.5 million riders. He’s led the charge to help secure more than $265 million that’s connected the SMART train to the Sonoma County Airport, the Town of Windsor, and onto the City of Healdsburg.

The Redwood Bikeshare Program provides a critical connection for commuters and residents traveling to and from SMART stations and other transportation hubs throughout the North Bay.

“This is a major win for SMART passengers. Redwood Bikeshare is helping make the SMART system even more accessible, allowing riders to hop off the train and jump on an e-bike to head home, go to work, or run errands,” said Senator McGuire. “This investment means more bikes at stations, more connections, and a lot more convenience. I’m grateful for the partnership of SMART, Transportation Authority Marin, and the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities. We’re here because of their tireless work.”

First launched in October 2024, Redwood Bikeshare is Sonoma and Marin Counties’ first regional electric bikeshare system. The program currently includes 300 e-bikes in communities along the SMART corridor, including Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Petaluma, San Rafael, Novato, and Larkspur. There have been 28,474 trips on Redwood Bikeshare since its launch, of which roughly 60% started or ended at a SMART Station.

This funding will help extend the program for the next three years while expanding bikeshare service to every SMART station, serving communities throughout the North Bay. The Redwood Bikeshare pilot is on track to see approximately 75% year-over-year growth, and this investment will help build on that momentum as SMART ridership grows and as service expands with new connections at existing hubs.

“Over the past two years, Redwood Bikeshare has become an important part of our regional transportation network, particularly when combined with SMART’s rail service. Redwood Bikeshare and SMART are making it easier for thousands of people to travel throughout the North Bay without relying on a car,” said Chris Coursey, Sonoma County Supervisor and SMART Board Chair. “Thanks to Senator McGuire championing this investment, our communities can continue to build on SMART’s 26% year-over-year ridership growth by making it easier for more people to access the SMART system by bike. We are incredibly grateful to Senator McGuire for championing this funding in support of sustainable transportation in the North Bay.”

 

“From commuting to work to getting to school, the Redwood Bikeshare program has already been a huge success for communities throughout Sonoma County,” said Ariel Kelley, Chair of the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities. “This investment from Senator McGuire will help us continue to provide affordable and convenient transportation options for commuters, students, visitors, and more. We’re grateful to Senator McGuire for getting this investment across the finish line.”

 

“With more than 28,000 trips taken since 2024 the Redwood Bikeshare Program has shown just how much demand there is for growing use of e-bikes and more connections in the North Bay,” said Kate Colin, Chair of the Transportation Authority of Marin. “Without this critical funding from Senator McGuire, this hugely successful pilot could have come to an end. The Senator’s work means we can keep the rideshare program rolling forward.”

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Mike McGuire is President pro Tempore Emeritus of the California Senate. He represents the North Coast of California, which stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, including Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. Website of Senator McGuire: https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/