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Newspot Nigeria Staff Writer
Windsor, California – The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) system officially resumed passenger train service to Windsor on May 31, with a celebratory community event held on June 13 that drew hundreds of residents and local officials.
During the grand opening, locals expressed excitement and optimism for improved connectivity and economic impact:
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Dakota Salleri praised the convenience and economic potential:
“It’s great… it’s really gonna boost our economy here in Windsor… a lot more tourist attraction.” -
Madison Lautrup added:
“I’m very excited… it’s gonna be a good tourist attraction for a lot of people.”Advertisement
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Regular rider Kaleb Johnson reflected on the historical significance:
“Windsor hasn’t seen a train… in a long, long… time.” -
Denyce Carrillo of the town’s Visitors Center reported a surge in interest:
“Enthusiasm is just sky high,” with visitor center traffic tripling since the train launch.
SMART’s expansion brings 21 weekday roundtrips, weekend service, and free rides for those under 18 and over 65. The extension already shows impact: SMART has set new records—surpassing 1 million riders this fiscal year, and hitting 5,010 rides in a single day on June 5—and newly released data indicates a 3× increase in foot traffic at the Windsor Visitor Center.
The system received an $81 million state grant to continue northward to Healdsburg, with completion targeted for 2028, including bike-pedestrian pathway enhancements and a zero-emission locomotive. A 2026 ballot measure is underway to renew the quarter-cent sales tax vital to SMART’s funding and future expansions.
From enthusiastic locals and thrilled visitors to surging weekend activity, Windsor’s rail revival is more than nostalgia—it’s a sign of renewed vitality.
Newspot Nigeria will continue providing in-depth updates on global infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.
