COVID and wildfires greatly impacted ridership in September. As illustrated in the chart, ridership patterns (typically lower in September) continue, but remain at lower numbers than 2019. Overall, ridership was 47% lower than that of September 2019. SAM Gresham was 44% lower. Estacada, suspended due to wildfires, was down 62%, SAM rides was down 36%, the Shopper Shuttle, also suspended due to wildfires, was down 68%, Elderly and Disabled rides decreased slightly by 15%.

SAM staff continue to procure COVID-19 related items for vehicles such as added fold away seats for SAM rides vehicles and professionally installed germ guards.

The bus barn project, which saw some delays due to smoke, is now in the last few weeks. A few items remain on the punch list and should be complete by the end of November.

The bus wash is complete and the wash equipment has been completely renovated.

With the purchase of two vehicles, to be approved by Council this month, all 7 new vehicles expected this biennium will have been purchased.