Total ridership this month was 10,713 compared to 10,005 riders in 2016, an overall increase of 7.1%.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced a 15.5% increase in ridership. The new Shopper Shuttle experienced 18% growth over the previous month and a 102.5% increase over the first month of implementation.

The SAM Estacada route experienced a decrease of 37.4%. This route had seen monthly growth since changes were implemented, we will continue to monitor this route and will increase outreach to promote awareness of the new possibilities. The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) experienced a 6.5% decrease, a welcome slow to what has been a high demand and under-funded service in recent years. Finally, STAR ridership decreased by 16.5%. Some of this ridership decline can be attributed to the increased ridership on the Shopper Shuttle as this was the intended purpose of the shuttle, to augment a heavily used dial-a-ride system.

During this month, Sandy Transit applied for the TGM grant to update the Transit Master Plan. Sandy has seen significant growth and development since the last Master Plan study in 2008, adopted in 2009. At the adoption of the Sandy Transportation Plan, the Sandy population was approximately 8,000, a 49% increase since the 2000 Census population report. Based on projections by the City and ECONorthwest, the population was expected to reach 11,023 by 2029. According to the Portland State University annual population estimates, the Sandy population had already reached 10,655 as of July 1, 2016. The City has seen increased development and has undergone an urban growth boundary expansion of 652 acres. The majority of the “future transit needs” outlined in the current TMP have been implemented including the construction of a Transit Center in the Plaza, 2 bus shelters on Hwy 26, increased Saturday service hours on the SAM Gresham and SAM Estacada route, Sunday service added to the SAM Gresham route, a new shopper shuttle, and fares implemented on all routes. This grant, if awarded, will result in new transit master plan as part of the TSP.

Also in June, Sandy staff were actively engaged in several regional transit interests. Staff were active on behalf of the OTA board which has been working to provide information and support of the 2017 Transportation Bill. This bill was important to the future of transit funding and Sandy contacted local State Representation requesting support of the House Bill. Staff also attended meetings with Clackamas County Tourism to discuss future partnerships in the 26 corridor, the Hood River Transit District’s selection committee as they seek a qualified applicant for the Director position and the Mount Hood Transportation Alliance meetings to discuss the future of Mt Hood Express. Staff worked with Clackamas County and the City attorney in June to finalize the IGA between Clackamas County and Sandy regarding the administrative tasks that will be performed by Sandy on behalf of Mt Hood Express beginning July 1, 2017.