With 6,145 passengers in December, ridership remains 41% lower than the previous year. The SAM Gresham route, SAM’s primary fixed route, was 40% lower. The Estacada route was slightly better with a 37% reduction in ridership. The Shopper Shuttle has a large decrease of 64%, however, this is slightly misleading due to the very high number of rides in December 2019. This was largely due to extra Shopping Shuttle runs over the holiday season.

SAM’s dial-a-ride, formerly known as STAR that is now SAM rides, saw a 25% reduction in ridership and the medical rides program (ED) saw a 27% reduction.

As you can see from this chart, ridership trends mirror previous patterns. SAM has been forced at times to turn down passengers due to COVID capacity restrictions. Staff have applied for funding for a new vehicle and funding to use as a “sweeper” vehicle so passengers are never left behind. A replacement vehicle was also requested in this grant request through CARES ACT funding.

Also in January, the STFAC grants for Federal funds were submitted as well as SAM’s STIF Plan for 22-23 biennium. If successful, SAM expects to see slightly higher grant Federal grant amounts for 22-23 than the previous biennium.