Total ridership this month was 10,488, compared to 10,446 riders in 2016.  The SAM-Gresham ridership increased by 2.3%.  STAR ridership increased by 6.5%.  The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) experienced a 64.3% increase and the new Shopper Shuttle experienced a 50.8% increase over the first month of implementation.

The SAM Estacada route experienced a decrease of 24.9%.  This route continues monthly growth in ridership since the route changes in November of 2016.

Transit held another transit training in April.  Muna arranged a guided training for residents of the Whispering Pines retirement home in Estacada.  Muna and 15 senior citizens rode the SAM Estacada route to the Transit Center, had a brief snack at Joe’s Donuts, and rode the SAM Estacada evening run back.  The seniors were thankful to have someone help them learn to navigate the transit system to get to Sandy for shopping and recreation.  This type of training is integral to the continued independence of senior citizens in our communities.

Staff and several TAC members attended Transit Day at the Capitol.  Heather Michet, (Chair) Joseph Lowe (Vice Chair), Caren Topliff (STFAC member), Roxy Tolva (resident), Muna and Andi met with Representative Mark Johnson, heard from Senator Beyer and Governor Kate Brown regarding the much anticipated Transportation Package, observed Senate and House sessions and spoke with staff from Senator Chuck Thomsen’s office.  It was a great opportunity to say thank you for their service to our community and speak with them about the importance of SAM and other connecting rural routes, such as Mount Hood Express and Mount Hood Villages Shuttle.  The Transportation Package is anxiously awaited as many sub committees have suggested transit funding as an integral part of any proposed package.

Sandy received $9,900 for the Dodge Caravan that was surplused in April.  The van bid was won by a young man who is a paraplegic due to an accident.  Muna and Andi delivered the van to his home in Portland.