As shown in the chart, COVID 19 continues to impact Sandy Transit ridership. Ridership did show a slight increase in 2021 over 2020, until snow storms hit in December.

January ridership exactly reflects January 2022. In January 2022, SAM provided 6,014 rides whereas January 2021 SAM provided 5,947 rides.

During the snow storms, SAM continued to operate, never canceling an entire day. SAM Gresham ran hourly rather than every half hour, SAM rides and Elderly and Disabled out-of-town medical rides were for life sustaining trips only such as dialysis, prescription pick up and cancer treatments. The Shopper Shuttle was suspended for a few days, as people had the option to schedule with SAM rides if it was life sustaining.

SAM and MHX continue to experience the driver shortage that many agencies have faced over the past year. MHX continues to have the biggest challenges of retention due to the stress involved in the steep grade (Timberline Road) and the weather. Two full time MHX drivers quit in January, forcing all drivers and dispatch to struggle to cover all the shifts. This puts stress on both services, although currently MHX is the only service canceling runs. SAM’s dial-a-ride programs, however, are also down to one driver causing scheduling difficulties and low ridership in those programs. Currently, drivers are often faced with 6 and 7 day work schedules, a trend that is not sustainable.

MV has sent drivers from Redmond, WA to help cover the MHX shifts and 3 drivers have been hired. The new drivers though will need to be trained and obtain CDLs, a process which will likely take 3-4 months.

SAM is currently speaking with vendors to procure an all electric SUV to be used as a shift change and service vehicle, sometimes employed to pick up passengers during inclement weather but not very often. Currently SAM uses a hybrid SUV (Ford Escape) for this purpose. SAM has already secured grant funding for the replacement which is enough for a fully electric SUV and the charging infrastructure required. No match is necessary with the grant funding. Because the vehicle needs to be all wheel drive (AWD), SAM is currently looking at Tesla Model Y or Ford Mach E.

In January, SAM posted an Request For Proposals (RFP) for a new contract for real time arrival information (currently DoubleMap is the vendor) and data collection. The County, Canby Area Transit and South Clackamas Transit District are all included in the RFP to explore savings through the addition of capital equipment purchased and save time for all agencies involved by reducing the need for each agency to go through a procurement process. Bids are due February 23, 2022.

All Clackamas County transit agencies continue to work together, meeting weekly, to find ways to collaborate, share successes and develop better services for the region. Many refer to our group of agencies as the Clackamas County Coalition and the strong working relationship we have developed has proven a successful partnership.

As shown in the chart, COVID 19 continues to impact Sandy Transit ridership. Ridership did show a slight increase in 2021 over 2020, until snow storms hit in December.

During the snow storms, SAM continued to operate, never canceling an entire day. SAM Gresham ran hourly rather than every half hour, SAM rides and Elderly and Disabled out-of-town medical rides were for life sustaining trips only such as dialysis, prescription pick up and cancer treatments. The Shopper Shuttle was suspended for a few days, as people had the option to schedule with SAM rides if it was life sustaining.

SAM and MHX are beginning to experience the driver shortage that many agencies have faced over the past year. TriMet recently reduced service by 9% due to a driver shortage, as well as Sunset Empire on the coast and other agencies across the state. SAM and MHX may be faced with similar difficult decisions if new drivers are not brought on board and trained immediately. Currently, drivers are often faced with 6 work day schedules, a trend that is not sustainable.

A new partnership has been developed between Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Department of Correction to train soon to be released offenders to become Transit drivers upon release. SAM Director, Andi Howell, has been part of this developing project as one of three transit agencies represented. Andi’s role has primarily been to help the Departments of Correction and Transportation understand what training is required and what types of crimes would be unacceptable. SAM’s board had a meaningful and enlightening conversation regarding this program. Done correctly, this program could help fill an urgent need and give released offenders a second chance and a real opportunity for success. All involved also understand the very real and stringent safe guards that must be in place when this project launches.

2022 will be a productive year at Sandy Transit. In January, negotiations with MV Transportation, SAM’s contractor, will begin for contract year 2022 beginning in July. MV Transportation has been the contractor for 2 years and has shown significant improvement in those years with their ability to operate SAM and MHX.

SAM and MHX have also had conversations regarding SAM taking the lead on both contracts as we did in 2020. That proved to be a successful arrangement, led to many efficiencies and a more streamlined administrative model.

SAM will be applying for new grant funding for many capital projects. 2022 may prove to be the year SAM steps toward alternative fuel vehicles, beginning with an all electric SUV to be used as a shift change and service vehicle, sometimes employed to pick up passengers but not very often. Currently SAM uses a hybrid SUV (Ford Escape) for this purpose. SAM has already secured grant funding for the replacement of the Escape from CARES Act funding that requires no local match.

In January, SAM will post an Request For Proposals (RFP) for a new contract for real time arrival information (currently DoubleMap is the vendor) and data collection. The County, Canby Area Transit and South Clackamas Transit District are all included in the RFP to explore savings through the addition of capital equipment purchased and save time for all agencies involved by reducing the need for each agency to go through a procurement process.

All Clackamas County transit agencies continue to work together, meeting weekly, to find ways to collaborate, share successes and develop better services for the region. Many refer to our group of agencies as the Clackamas County Coalition and the strong working relationship we have developed has proven a successful partnership.

In September SAM carried 7,054 passengers. Ridership increased 25.2% over September 2020 and is 33% lower than pre-COVID levels. As shown in the ridership chart, September is typically a low ridership month. This September SAM did not experience a significant drop however.

SAM’s new Ford Transit Vans are on the road and receiving great feedback from drivers and passengers alike. SAM has one more Ford Transit Van on order, using CARES ACT funds.

SAM staff conducted on board surveys of both SAM and MHX services in September. Survey collection has been different since COVID. Previously, SAM staff rode all services on various days, which also required the use of drivers and volunteers, to collect surveys in person. Since COVID, SAM has collected survey data onboard by leaving surveys on the buses and the drivers inform passengers to fill them out if they’d like AND surveys are conducted online. While these methods do not elicit the same response rate as an on board surveyor, it does still collect some necessary information.

Of those surveyed on board, 62% began their trip in Sandy with 61% choosing Sandy as their destination. Approximately 59% will use 1 bus for their trip while 35% will use 2-3 and 5% will use 4 or more buses or trains to get to their final destination. 42% use transit almost daily with another 32% use the bus 3-4 times weekly, ultimately 74% use the bus at least 3-4 times weekly. Over half (at 53%) use the bus to commute. Shopping/running errands is the next most common purpose (24%). As illustrated in the chart, the 45 to over 60 population are the highest demographic.

Of those surveyed on board, 69% earn under $19,999 per year and 82% earn less than $39,999 per year.

Finally, of those who responded, 62% would not have been able to make the trip if public transit were not available.

In summary, SAM’s passengers are heavily transit dependent. They tend to be older, female (chart not shown, 54% female), with lower earnings and no other way to make their commute trip, shopping or errands if public transit were not available. They generally believe the service is very good (highest option) or Satisfactory (next highest) as 97.5% answered as such for buses on time 82% for convenient schedules and 94% for easy to read schedules. Where SAM needs improvement seems to be on the website and the mobile. For the website, 76% answered very good or satisfactory and the mobile app received the lowest very good/satisfactory ratings at 63%.

The most requested improvement to the service was more frequent service with 57% responding very important and 26% somewhat important (83%). More Sunday service was the next most requested improvement with 78% responding very important or somewhat important.

The following are comments from the September survey, there were zero negative comments:

Love SAM bus just wish there were more rides on weekends!

Love SAM. They’re really reliable and the drivers are kind.

I have been using public transit for many years and the Sandy Transit is by far the best I have ever used.

I know most of the drivers from riding and the operators that do the scheduling. These are hard working people. I have also found that if I am time and everyone could be, their day would run smooth. I would like to thank each and every one for their service. I have trouble with my balance and I am helped often getting on and off with my walker and groceries. They become friends. Thank you people.

Super grateful for the servie you (SAM) provide. Sincerly!

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.

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.

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!

With 6,300 passengers in May, ridership was 28% higher than last May 2020. Although this is an increase in ridership, it remains a 46% reduction from pre-COVID ridership. Transit agencies across the State are beginning to request transit capacity restrictions be removed as we begin to welcome people back. Faced with capacity restrictions, people will remain reluctant to take the chance of waiting for a bus only to find that it is at capacity. In rural settings, this is especially troublesome as the next bus will not arrive until at least 30 minutes later.

As for ridership per route, SAM Gresham ridership increased 26% over May 2020. SAM Estacada increased 109.5%, SAM Shopper increased 68.6%. SAM rides, the dial-a-ride service, increased 21.4% while the out of town medical rides program increased 53.8%.

The end of May marked the one year anniversary with MV Transportation as our new contractor. This relationship was a bit unsteady during early transition, however MV was very responsive to the City’s concerns and a new operations manager was assigned to the division in December. Since December, we have seen great improvement in operations and driver retainment. With driver shortages occurring across the nation, driver recruitment and retention remains a priority. Experienced drivers who know the routes, vehicles and passengers are very important for the customer experience, something the City of Sandy has always recognized as a top priority.

During the months of March, April and May SAM staff have been transitioning to new dispatch software. Transit staff have also worked on new grant agreements with Oregon Department of Transportation as the new biennium approaches as well as new RFQs for new vehicle procurement and new IGAs between the City and TriMet as well as the City and the County.

With 7,126 passengers in March, ridership was 7% lower than last March when COVID became a reality and ridership and bus capacity decreased. This is a 34% reduction in ridership compared to pre-COVID ridership trends. 34% is one of the lowest reductions we have seen in months, likely due to the COVID restrictions being lifted in many aspects of society and schools reopening to hybrid learning.

During the month of March, SAM staff were able to sign a contract and move forward with new dispatch software. This new software will help with scheduling and mapping rides on the SAM rides dial-a-ride service. EasyRides, the new software, will bring much needed updates to the capabilities of our dial-a-ride software such as automated reminder calls the evening before their scheduled ride.

Finally, the SAM Transit Director serves as the President for the Oregon Transit Association, (OTA). In this capacity, SAM is currently intricately involved in weekly legislative sessions, tracking transit related legislation and acting on behalf of the OTA when needed. Attached are two letters submitted in March. Each time testimony is given (3 times to date) or letters are sent on behalf of OTA, the information is given and signed by Andi Howell, City of Sandy Transit Director and OTA President. Therefore, it is important to keep Council informed of activities and information provided in this role and will be provided when necessary in these monthly updates.

OTA Letter to House Committee on Housing re HB 2558

OTS SB 803 Support

With 5,947 passengers in January and 5,300 in February, ridership remains around 45-50% lower than pre-COVID years. As we approach the one year anniversary and business and schools begin to reopen, it will be interesting to watch the new post COVID-19 ridership trends. February is typically a lower ridership month due to weather patterns and this year was no exception. SAM reduced service for four days, with two of those days being complete cancellations due to ice.

As in previous years, SAM employees were exemplary during the storm. Even during days when service was cancelled, dispatchers who could make it in to work did. They covered the telephones and were prepared to attempt to pick up passengers in life sustaining situations if necessary. As you can see from this photo, not one person was denied a life sustaining appointment such as dialysis.

As mentioned last month, capacity restrictions have forced SAM to put out extra vehicles and at times, turn down passengers. For example, in the past, one small cut-a-way vehicle would be able to accommodate several passengers, but with COVID-19 restrictions, 2 vehicles are often dispatched. As businesses open and people return to work and school, SAM expects to send “sweeper” vehicles at peak service so no one is left behind. To cover the additional costs of added cleaning, sweeper vehicles and PPE, Transit applied for $100,000 for operations, a new “sweeper” vehicle and a replacement vehicle for a service vehicle that has been used daily during COVID for added capacity. The total amount applied for is $265,000 through the CARES ACT Needs Based application process and SAM was recently awarded the full amount.

In January, the STFAC grants for Federal funds were submitted. SAM requested a modest increase in Federal funding and $45,000 to use as match for a vehicle already funded through a different Federal program. SAM was successful and was awarded the full request in funding, a total of $622,064. Considering that SAM will likely not collect fares until capacity restrictions are lifted, receiving this funding in full and the additional CARES ACT funding allows SAM to continue at current service levels and implement the same stringent cleaning/disinfecting protocols. These protocols, and the speed with which they were enacted, have allowed SAM to operate at full capacity for a year with zero COVID cases reported.

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.