In July, ridership continued to rebound although not to previous ridership levels. Overall ridership was down 36.8%. SAM Gresham ridership was down 36.7%. Estacada ridership was down 31.7%, SAM rides is down 30%, the Shopper Shuttle is down 50%, Elderly and Disabled rides is down by 37.5%. These ridership trends are comparable to other transit systems, especially considering that the many continue to work from home, schools are not open and people are attempting to avoid public spaces if possible.
Service levels remain at pre-COVID levels. With increasing ridership and social distancing in place, Sandy will likely begin to launch a second vehicle at peak times to ensure no person is left behind. The funding for extra drivers will be covered with the CARES ACT funds that were awarded to Sandy. Those funds will also be used to replace the loss of fares and for capital costs for things such as germ guards as well.
Currently staff are working to create the next STIF Plan. The Plan will be taken to the Transit Advisory Board in September, the Clackamas County Advisory Committee in October and on to TriMet’s Board for approval in November.
Also in July a Request For Quotes (RFQ) was released for 2 minivan type vehicles for the Elderly and Disabled medical rides program. The results of the RFQ will be brought before Council at the next meeting for approval.
In July, Transit requested and received approval from ODOT to move the bus stop currently in front of KFC. Transit has a beautiful new shelter that we would like to install West of the Ruben/26 intersection (in front of McDonald’s) to get the bus out of the right turn lane when stopping for passengers. This should create a more safe bus stop environment and improve the flow of traffic.
Transit is currently working on an RFQ for wifi on the Gresham route vehicles and has an RFQ out for new dispatch software.
And finally, we continue to oversee the construction of the bus barns. The last change order has been signed that grants an extension to September 24th for completion as the buildings were not delivered until July 26th.
