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An Overview of the MASCOTS Plan: Transforming Public Transport in Marin and Sonoma

On April 12, 2026, a significant change is coming to public transportation in the North Bay region of California. The Marin-Sonoma Coordinated Transit Service, known as the MASCOTS Plan, is going live, aiming to offer enhanced transit services to its users. Developed collaboratively by a coalition of nine transit and funding agencies, this plan seeks to improve connectivity along the Highway 101 corridor, catering to the needs of a growing ridership and making commutes more efficient.

Background of the MASCOTS Plan

The MASCOTS Plan was a collective effort spearheaded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and included partnerships from multiple organizations such as the Transportation Authority of Marin, the Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Agencies, and several local transit authorities. The primary goal is to improve public transit effectiveness by coordinating schedules and increasing service frequency, ultimately providing a better experience for passengers traveling between Marin and Sonoma counties as well as into San Francisco.

As MTC Vice Chair and Marin County Supervisor, Stephanie Moulton-Peters, stated, "This is the kind of coordination that can make a real difference for riders. When agencies work together to better align service, people get shorter waits, easier transfers, and more options throughout the day." The MASCOTS Plan aims to create a more interconnected and user-friendly public transport system that responds directly to the preferences and needs of local riders.

Key Changes Effective April 12, 2026

Enhanced SMART Service

One of the most notable transformations will be in the SMART train service, which is set to increase by 19%. This means more frequent trains, starting earlier in the morning and running later in the evening, effectively closing mid-day service gaps. With the new timetable, riders will benefit from improved transfer opportunities with local bus services, allowing for greater first- and last-mile connectivity.

Key benefits include:

• - Earlier morning shuttles: New northbound options will cater to early commuters.
• - Increased midday flexibility: Enhanced service during the day to accommodate appointments and errands.
• - Extended evening options: Extra trips will facilitate leisure activities, such as dining out.

Changes to Weekday and Weekend Services

On weekdays, SMART will boost its service frequency to 48 trips, with precision timing for both northbound and southbound trains. The first southbound train will depart Windsor at 3:56 AM, while the first northbound train leaves Larkspur at 5:28 AM. The last trains of the day ensure commuters have a reliable way home, even in the late hours.

On weekends, service will be expanded to 24 trips per day, allowing for similar timings and improved availability.

Golden Gate Transit Improvements

In addition, the Golden Gate Transit Route 101 will experience increased service frequency, with buses running every 30 minutes throughout the day and every 15 minutes during peak times. This effectively doubles previous service levels, ensuring that riders have reliable transit options between San Rafael Transit Center and San Francisco. The connection between SMART and GGT services along the Highway 101 corridor will be optimized, with transfer times streamlined to fall within 5-10 minutes, cutting down on wait times for commuters.

Bus Service Streamlining

Further changes will include:

• - Three new trips on Route 132: Connecting southern Marin County and San Francisco.
• - Route 120 updates: To replace Routes 130 and 150, enhancing regular service through Sausalito.
• - Sonoma County alignment adjustments: Streamlining to enhance frequency and reduce service overlap, with buses on Route 172 operating every 20-30 minutes during peak hours.

Moreover, local transit agencies are working on individual adjustments to seamlessly connect with these expanded regional services, ensuring an overall smoother transit experience.

Moving Forward

The MASCOTS Plan represents months of collaborative planning and strategic alignment among various transit operators. As Chris Coursey, SMART Board Chair and Sonoma County Supervisor remarked, "By aligning schedules and strengthening timed transfers, we are delivering a more seamless rider experience across Marin and Sonoma—and better connections into San Francisco."

For riders interested in understanding the changes better, the official website at mascotsplan.org will provide in-depth information on the coordinated changes, including schedule links for local transit agencies. It’s an exciting time for public transportation in this region, and the enhancements aim to provide a more user-friendly, efficient service.

Get ready for a new era of transit in Marin and Sonoma counties beginning April 12, 2026!