SMART Pathway Wayfinding Plan
Sonoma and Marin Counties, CA
Project Summary
The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) Pathway is a separated bicycle and pedestrian trail that runs parallel to the SMART Railway in Sonoma and Marin counties. When complete, the SMART Pathway will span 70 miles and serve as both a regional trail and a vital first-/last-mile connector to the train. In response to public requests for signage, Toole Design was hired to create a comprehensive wayfinding system that helps people confidently use the trail and connect to train stations, neighborhoods, and local destinations.
Our approach was grounded in listening and testing. Through bilingual engagement, including on-the-ground intercept surveys, online surveys, and virtual workshops, we heard from more than 400 community members. We also installed test signage directly along the trail, giving community members the chance to react to real-world samples before finalizing designs. The first round of permanent signage was installed in late 2024.
The wayfinding system is anchored by a new logo that we designed to align seamlessly with SMART’s existing brand. The full sign family includes various decision, regulatory, trailhead, and pathway identification signage, as well as incorporates existing signage for the nearby Great Redwood Trail. We also developed three types of maps to guide users at every stage of their journey.
System Maps show the full alignment of the SMART Pathway and Railway, and were placed at every station and major trailhead.
Area Maps highlight local destinations within walking distance, and were typically located at SMART stations in major town centers like Petaluma or Santa Rosa.
Gap Maps provide extra guidance where portions of the Pathway are not yet complete by providing connecting routes.