With 7,126 passengers in March, ridership was 7% lower than last March when COVID became a reality and ridership and bus capacity decreased. This is a 34% reduction in ridership compared to pre-COVID ridership trends. 34% is one of the lowest reductions we have seen in months, likely due to the COVID restrictions being lifted in many aspects of society and schools reopening to hybrid learning.
During the month of March, SAM staff were able to sign a contract and move forward with new dispatch software. This new software will help with scheduling and mapping rides on the SAM rides dial-a-ride service. EasyRides, the new software, will bring much needed updates to the capabilities of our dial-a-ride software such as automated reminder calls the evening before their scheduled ride.
Finally, the SAM Transit Director serves as the President for the Oregon Transit Association, (OTA). In this capacity, SAM is currently intricately involved in weekly legislative sessions, tracking transit related legislation and acting on behalf of the OTA when needed. Attached are two letters submitted in March. Each time testimony is given (3 times to date) or letters are sent on behalf of OTA, the information is given and signed by Andi Howell, City of Sandy Transit Director and OTA President. Therefore, it is important to keep Council informed of activities and information provided in this role and will be provided when necessary in these monthly updates.