With 6,664 passengers in June, ridership was 6.6% higher than last June (2020) and 36.5% lower than pre-COVID (2019). As many agencies struggle to regain service and ridership, a 36.5% reduction is good and SAM shows a slow return to normalcy. During June ridership capacity restrictions remained in place, but those restrictions were lifted in early July. In Transit, however, due to FTA requirements, masks are still required for both passengers and drivers until the end of September.

As for ridership per route, SAM Gresham ridership increased 7% over June 2020. SAM Estacada increased 10.5%, SAM Shopper increased 24.3%. SAM rides, the dial-a-ride service, decreased 1.7% while the out of town medical rides program increased 68.4%.

SAM initiated a driver appreciation program with local businesses in June. To build the Transit/business partnership and encourage SAM’s 36 employees to shop local, SAM reached out to local businesses to enter into the appreciation program. SAM hopes this helps build back business for local establishments, spread word of mouth on buses when drivers are asked about best places to eat or shop, and SAM will be sure to frequent businesses who participate when any opportunity arises. Several businesses have entered the program. SAM was able to raffle off a grill donated from ACE, give 10% discounts at Brady’s Brats, 10% discount at Scoop and Swirl for the month of June, give away 2 tickets per month to the Sandy Cinema and give each employee a gift certificate to Goodwill when it is their birthday month.

In June, SAM celebrated one year with our new contractor and a strong service that is running smoothly. This gave SAM had the opportunity to show our appreciation to Brady’s Brats and Burgers for entering the appreciation program by purchasing food for employees. Both brats and burgers had great reviews from the drivers and staff, who felt very appreciated!! Next month, during our employee birthday celebrations SAM will provide special treats for the drivers from Scoop and Swirl!