SMART must focus on North-South Greenway

I am writing in regard to IJ political columnist Dick Spotswood’s recently published commentary (“Pandemic uncertainty should pause all transit, highway expansion,” Oct. 24). It is particularly timely, considering that the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit district just hired a new general manager (“SMART selects Utah official as general manager,” Oct. 22).

Spotswood thoughtfully suggests a pause in expansion of rail infrastructure for a few years until the impact of the pandemic on commuting and jobs is better understood. While I believe that the train will play a critical role in future transportation, a short pause makes sense.

SMART can use the pause to focus on completing gaps in the North-South Greenway bicycle pedestrian path along the length of the existing rail line. Doing so would fulfill its promise to the voters. Trust needs to be restored. In Central Marin, my list would include the Puerto Suello Hill gap in North San Rafael. It would connect the path at San Pedro Road with the path at the top of Lincoln Avenue. Next, the Tamalpais Avenue gap in San Rafael should be addressed. It would connect the path at Second Street to the path at Mission Avenue. SMART also needs to address the gap in Larkspur and Corte Madera to connect the nearly completed path at Redwood Highway to Wornum Drive along the old railroad right of way.

The cost of a project like this would be relatively modest compared to rail infrastructure. A seamless North-South Greenway along the entire existing rail line would be extremely popular and generate a big increase in use. SMART must evolve into a truly multimodal agency to stay relevant and hopefully thrive as we turn the page on the coronavirus pandemic.

— Eric Miller, Larkspur