In December, Transit staff ordered 2 new low-floor 35′ Gillig transit vehicles.  Additionally, a Request For Quotes (RFQ) for 2 new STAR vehicles was released.  The results of those RFQs will be available in January 2019.   Also in January 2019, one more RFQ will be released for a low-floor vehicle to replace vehicle #21 in the Sandy Transit fleet.  This vehicle primarily operates the Estacada route and has reached its useful life.

Transit staff presented a new Transit Asset Maintenance System (TAMS) to Council in December, highlighting the importance of maintenance and capital planning to keep the Sandy fleet in a “state of good repair” as outlined by Oregon Department of Transportation.  Replacing vehicles which are past their useful life, such as these 2 new Gillig and STAR vehicles, is vital for a safe and efficient public transit service.

SAM provided 8,925 rides in December.  SAM fixed routes experienced a 13% reduction as compared to last December.  Similar to last month, there is a significant drop in SAM Gresham rides; we are exploring the possibility of inaccurate counting due to the drivers currently using the new tablets and paper and pencil.  As of January 2019, we will begin using tablets only for passenger counts.

Estacada increased by 9.7%.  Once again this month, the in-town dial-a-ride (STAR) and the Shopper Shuttle increased. STAR increased by 18% and the  Shopper Shuttle increased by 146%.