Fire/smoke update: Transit suspended Estacada and the Shopper Shuttle routes briefly due to fire and smoke. SAM Gresham remained on schedule throughout the emergency, although ridership was extremely low.

Similar to July, ridership remains lower than previous years. Overall, ridership was 41% lower than that of August 2019. SAM Gresham was 39% lower. Estacada ridership was down 34%, SAM rides was down 33%, the Shopper Shuttle is down 66%, Elderly and Disabled rides increased slightly by 10%.

Service levels remain at pre-COVID levels. Staff continue to work to provide safe transportation by ordering permanent hand sanitizing stations for each vehicle and procurement of permanent, professionally installed germ guards. Vehicle disinfecting, PPE and social distancing requirements continue.

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.

In July, Transit conducted a RFQ for 2 new vehicles for the Elderly and Disabled medical rides program. The results were for gasoline and alternative fuel comparisons. The resulting bids were surprisingly high so transit staff will continue market research to explore all options before bringing before Council for recommendations and approval.

A construction plan is currently being created to move the Highway 26 bus stop currently in front of KFC further West, after the intersection. A new shelter will also be constructed at this stop.