In July, SAM carried 7,423 passengers safely to their destinations. All services, the Gresham route, Shopper Shuttle, Estacada route, SAM rides (dial-a-ride) and the Elderly and Disabled medical rides program saw increases in ridership as compared to July 2020. Overall, SAM saw a 3.9% increase over July 2020 and is 34% lower than pre-COVID levels.

Our partner agency, Clackamas County, began charging fares on MHX and Village Shuttle August 1. Considering the contractor and several drivers are new, SAM has chosen to wait to implement fares until October 1. This allows the public, the contractor, drivers and staff to ease back into fare collection.

SAM, MHX and all Clackamas County providers are currently involved in a study that will find the best solution for all providers to include mobile ticketing (pay by phone) and would give passengers the ability to pay for any Clackamas County provider through the same mobile app. Additionally, all Clackamas providers in partnership have secured a grant that will allow for the creation of a “one stop shop” for all 5 providers through an integrated webpage. Both of these studies will make travel via public transit in Clackamas County as seamless and easy as possible for all passengers.

The Transit Around the Mountain Plan is complete. Sandy staff were on the technical committee and the Sandy Mayor, Stan Pulliam, and City Manager, Jordan Wheeler, were stakeholders in the planning process. The Plan, Strategies and Actions can be found here. Sandy plays an integral role in the Vision Around The Mountain as the link to the greater Metro region and as the most significant city for goods and services for Highway 26 travelers just before the mountain communities. A Transit Oriented Developed Park and Ride in Sandy is a possible activity identified for Sandy Transit as well as route frequency, amenity upgrades and more. Sandy staff will remain active on the Mt Hood Transportation Alliance as many of the actions in the Plan are developed and implemented.