In August, SAM carried 7,398 passengers. Ridership increased 7.08% over August 2020 and is 36% lower than pre-COVID levels. Considering many transit agencies continue to experience a 50% reduction in ridership, SAM’s 36% reduction and gradual increase in ridership are a great indication that our ridership will rebound.

SAM staff continue to participate in many committees statewide. Andi, SAM’s Director, is a member of the Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation and has joined the Toll Work Group subcommittee to stay informed about tolling of I205 and how transit will be implemented with the tolling changes. Additionally, Andi sits on the rulemaking committee regarding the consolidation of the Special Transportation Fund (STF) and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF). Both fund sources are vital to transit across Oregon, including Sandy, and it is very important that the new rules for combining the two funding streams do not negatively impact Sandy Transit or rural transit in general.

Two new vehicles arrived in August for use on the elderly and disabled program. They are Ford Transits and the drivers have given them great reviews on how they ride. Once wrapped they will be launched into service. Unfortunately, our wrap installer has come down with COVID and will not be available until late September.

In September, SAM and MHX will begin our annual on board surveys. These surveys give us valuable information regarding ridership patterns, our passengers and their needs. While surveying is never an easy task, we always look forward to the data collected.

Andi will be out of town in September. Muna Rustam, the program administrator, will oversee the Transit Department. Muna will also be available for the Council meeting agenda item, a renewed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Clackamas County. This is the third updated IGA with very few changes from years prior.