From the Director
Projects, projects, projects! The Transit Department has many projects moving forward.
Electrification – SAM staff met the Proterra Charging Team to identify the best options for optimal charging based on the route, number of buses and infrastructure. SAM will order one cabinet/charger per bus for optimal charging when vehicles are not in service.
PGE completed the planning phase of the infrastructure upgrade. Total cost estimates of the electrification upgrades are currently $371,000 with PGE partner incentives covering $371,000. However, the PGE team and SAM staff have yet to finalize the plan as some modifications were requested by SAM staff (page 1 of report below).
SAM has issued POs for 3 charger cabinets and dispensers from Proterra Energy Systems. There is currently a wait time for the arrival of chargers. PGE infrastructure updates and installation of the charging equipment needs to be in place before the arrival of 3 new electric vehicles. Current timeline – approximately 18 months.
Cabinet (about the size of a vending machine) and Dispensers Pictured Below
Saturday Shopper Shuttle – Using STIF funds, SAM plans to add Saturday Shopper Shuttle Service! This was the #1 request from the public during the Transit Master Plan. Saturday service will mirror Monday – Friday service (5 runs). Saturday service could begin as soon as July 1, 2023.
Operations Center Expansion – SAM staff are creating the RFP for the planning phase of an Ops expansion. SAM staff will facilitate a meeting with all Department Directors impacted by the expansion and the City Manager before issuing the RFP. The RFP is planned to be issued early February.
From the Program Administrator
Ridership
Overall ridership for November 2022 had a slight increase of 0.33% over November 2021. SAM Gresham had a slight decline of -0.36% compared to last year. Estacada’s ridership rose from 409 rides in 2021 to 466 rides in 2022, a 13.94% increase. The Shopper Shuttle declined -0.72%, compared with November 2021.
SAM rides experienced a small decline of -1.28% in November 2022 compared to November 2021. ED also saw a decline of -22.5%.
The ongoing driver shortage combined with the beginning of the cold and flu season and the holiday closure contributed to this small decline in ridership. The addition of new drivers will enable SAM to alleviate some of the concerns.
Winter Express
The Winter Express run to the tree lighting was a success! The drivers dressed up in costume, played holiday music and delighted their 49 riders.
SAM will be providing rides to Meinig Park for the events on the 21st and the 28th. There is a slight change to the schedule. We will begin the shuttles at 5:00 pm so we can make each loop at least once before the start of the event.