Total ridership this month was 11,319 compared to 10,577 riders in 2016, an overall increase of 7%.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced a 5.8% increase in ridership. The new SAM Shopper has experienced 210.8% increase over the first month of implementation in December.

Transit is thrilled to report that the SAM Estacada route experienced an increase of 2.6% over August 2016.  August 2016 was before the many changes were made to the Estacada route, therefore, ridership on this route has returned and saw a slight increase.

The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) experienced a 17% decrease.  This program saw a large increase in usage in 2016, even with a 17% decrease over August of 2016, ridership remains 71.9% higher than the ridership in August 2015.  A return to lower numbers of out-of-town medical trips is welcome.

Finally, STAR ridership decreased by 9.8%.  Most of the decrease can be attributed to the success of the shopper shuttle route.  The SAM shopper was designed to augment the higher cost, high demand dial-a-ride service and reduce some scheduling difficulties.

In August, Transit learned they had been awarded a Transportation Growth Management award from ODOT.  This project is estimated at $120,000 of which Sandy Transit will provide 12% or $14,400.  This project will provide a 20 year plan for the transit system and identify Sandy Transit’s role in regional connectivity.

Sandy staff collaborated with the Recreation and Library Departments to provide the trolley during the Eclipse Event in the park.  The shuttle operated for 3 hours and transported 39 people to the event.

As part of the Sandy/Mount Hood Express collaboration, Sandy added a new employee to the team in August.  Lucy Brice brings customer service, accounting and technology skills to the Transit team which are vital attributes for the Transit Administrative Assistant position.