From the Transit Manager

Ridership Year Overview

SAM provided 95,257 rides in 2025 an overall increase of 6.7% compared to 2024. A month to month comparison from 2024 to 2025 ridership saw a regular increase as illustrated in the chart above. Of particular note was SAM Estacada, which increased 152.76%. This was due to the interline with the Villages Shuttle, enabling us to increase service. Another area that has shown considerable increase is in the dial a ride service, particularly for special events such as the incredibly popular Jolly Trolley and travel training opportunities with students. While ridership has not reached pre-pandemic levels it has certainly made a robust rebound from the pandemic. We expect that trend to continue into the future as we see a continued increase in the demand for public transit.

The Jolly Trolley

The Jolly Trolley was as popular as ever. We opened registration on two separate dates and all runs were booked by 9:00 am both days. We had a total of 208 riders on all 8 rides and a waiting list of 120. Everyone enjoyed caroling while traveling to the various light displays through town. With it’s popularity, we are discussing options of how we may be able to do more next Winterfest!

SAMSquatch

SAMSquatch, the normally elusive and mysterious SAM rider, was spotted in the wild-aboard a SAM bus! Makingsuprise appearances on one of the Jolly Trolley runs and the Shortest Day Walkway! SAMSquatch even posed for a foot selife to show off SAM’s cool new bus flooring! Be on the lookout, you never know when SAMSquatch might show up on your bus ride!!

From the Transit Manager

Ridership

Total SAM ridership for September 2025 was 8,427 rides, an increase of 12.71% compared with September 2024. SAM-Gresham provided 5,956 rides, an 11.10% increase from 2024. SAM-Estacada had a 157.10% increase with 910 rides in September. The SAM-CTC increased by 39.2% with 419 and the Shopper Shuttle declined by 42.86% with 392 rides. The decline may be due to the return to school routine for many families.

SAM rides had a slight decline of -0.74% providing 671 rides in September 2025, 5 less than the previous September. The ED program experienced a -20.2% decline, providing 79 medical rides.

Sandy-Clackamas Partnership

SAM will receive $5,132.96 in revenue from the oversight of Mt. Hood Express. SAM ED provided 150 rides to Clackamas County residents, generating $18,081.88. SAM Estacada will also receive reimbursement all FLAP service. That includes 2 runs daily and all day Sunday.

SAM’s New Vehicle Ribbon Cutting and Ride-Along

On Friday, September 26th, Representatives Christine Drazan, Representative April Dobson and Staff from Representative Hoa Ngugyen’s office joined Mayor Kathleen Walker, Councilwomen Kristina Ramsayer and Laurie Smallwood (not pictured), ODOT staff including Administrator Suzanne Carlson and the SAM Director, Andi Howell, in unveiling a new wrap on SAM’s newest Gillig. A Ride Along followed to highlight an important regional connection, the CTC route. If you were not able to make it to the ribbon cutting we hope you stop by to view the new wrap. It features the iconic Jonsrud Viewpoint with a new view and each bus showcases a Sandy park!

From the Transit Manager

Ridership

Overall, SAM ridership for August 2025 was 8,303 rides, an increase of 12.37% compared to 7,389 rides in August of 2024. Sam-Gresham transported 5,883 passengers, a 5.09% increase. SAM-Estacada grew 166.76% with 907 rides in August 2025. SAM-CTC provided 445 rides, a 100% increase from August 2024. The Shopper Shuttle provided 486 rides, a 27.15% decrease from August 2024.

SAM rides ridership decreased by 0.14% providing a total of 609 rides, including 24 rides to the Sandy Night Out. ED provided a total of 82 rides a 32.79% decrease.

Sandy-Clackamas Partnership

SAM received $5,132.96 in revenue from the oversight of Mt. Hood Express. SAM ED provided 133 medical rides to Clackamas County residents, generating $13,473.58 in revenue. SAM Estacada expects to receive a reimbursement of approximately $19,425.00. Overall, SAM received $38,031.53 for August 2025.

From the Transit Manager

Ridership

Overall ridership for July 2025 was 8,580 rides, an increase of 6.4% compared to 8,062 rides in July 2024. SAM-Gresham transported 6,184 passengers, a 2.1% increase. SAM-Estacada continues to prove itself to be a much needed service providing 828 rides, a 228.57% increase. SAM-CTC is also trending upward with 89.06% increase. The Shopper Shuttle provided 438 rides this July compared to 709 rides last year, a 38.22% decrease.

SAM rides ridership increased 13.36%, compared to July of 2024. This count included 109 riders on the Mountain Festival route on July 12-13. ED rides saw a decline of 37.7% providing 76 rides.

Sandy-Clackamas Partnership

SAM and Clackamas County’s new IGA increases the monthly revenue of the oversight of Mt. Hood Express from $4,422.34 to $5,132.96. SAM provided 157 medical rides to Clackamas County residents, generating $13,308.27 in revenue. The total received to operate the Estacada-Village Shuttle Clackamas County grant was $$22,380.02. Overall, SAM received $40,821.25 for July 2025.

From the Transit Manager

Ridership

Overall ridership for June 2025 increased by 6.71%, providing 8,350 rides. SAM-Gresham had 5,891 riders, a small decrease of 2.35%. SAM-Estacada has a whopping 231.11% increase (894 passengers)!! SAM-Clackamas is also experiencing a large increase of 67.30%, providing 440 rides. The Shopper Shuttle had a decrease of 4.13% in June. While there was a small decline, ridership remains steady.

SAM rides provided 582 rides, a 14.79% decrease. ED provided 79 rides, a 14.13% decrease. Fluctuations in dial-a-ride are likely do to changing schedules, the end of school and changes in medical appointments.

Sandy-Clackamas Partnership

In June, SAM collected $4,422.34 in revenue from the oversight of Mt. Hood Express. SAM provided 148 medical rides to Clackamas County residents, collecting $11,283.10 in revenue. The total received to operate the Estacada-Village Shuttle Clackamas County FLAP grant was $19,718.78. Total revenue was $35,424.22.

New and Improved Bus Stop Amenities

Thanks to recent grant funding, the Sandy Transit Center has received important upgrades that improve safety, visibility and rider experience. You may notice brighter shelters with upgraded solar-powered lights. Additionally, light poles have been added at bus other designated bus stops. All of the added lighting enhances nighttime security and reducing the City’s carbon footprint. Finally, a new digital sign at the Sandy Transit Center now displays and announces real-time route information and service alerts. These improvements make the Transit Center more welcoming and user-friendly supporting Sandy Area Metro’s commitment to accessible, sustainable transportation for all.

From the Transit Manager

Ridership

Overall ridership continues to trend upward! SAM provided 8,321 rides in May 2025, an increase of 1.9% compared to May 2024. SAM-Gresham had a 8.83% ridership decrease, transporting 5,648 passengers. SAM-Estacada had a huge increase of 129.88% compared to May 2024. SAM-Clackamas had a 77.9% increase and SAM-Shopper increased by 7.03%.

SAM rides had 776 passengers, an increase of 3.33%. 55 of the riders were for a special Cedar Ridge Middle School field trip! ED had a 3.09% increase taking 100 passengers to their medical appointments.

Sandy-Clackamas Partnership

In May, SAM collected $4,422.34 in revenue form the oversight of Mt. Hood Express. SAM provided 154 medical rides to Clackamas County residents, generating $13,266.94 in revenue. The total received to operate the Estacada-Village Shuttle Clackamas County grant was $18,646.80. Overall SAM received $36,336.08 for May 2025.

Wheel the World and SAM Service

Sandy Transit was able to take part in a wonderful opportunity to promote tourism in Sandy. Wheel the World, a company that searches out and advertises all accessible travel options for persons with disabilities, came out and did an assessment of SAM service. The assessment has been submitted for review and once that is complete we’ll be listed as a transportation option for anyone seeking to come and enjoy all that Sandy has to offer!

From the Transit Manager

Transit Day at the Capitol

On April 1, 2025 SAM staff traveled to Salem joining 50 other Oregon transit agencies for Transit Day at the Capitol. The Sandy team met with several legislators to thank them for their continued support of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF), which has been vital to the improvement and expansion of Sandy service. These enhancements have directly benefited our community by connecting more people to work, school, medical appointments and essential services. In addition to expressing our thanks we also voiced support for the Oregon Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP) 2025 legislation, which promises to invest in sustainable, equitable and accessible transit solutions across the state. We are proud to continue to partner with local and state officials to serve the Sandy community.

Ridership

Overall ridership for April 2025 was 8,208 passengers, an increase of 4.36% compared to April 2025. SAM-Gresham had a modest decrease of 1.49%, providing 5,799 rides. SAM-Estacada provided 718 rides, an increase of 118.34% compared to last April. SAM-Clackamas increased by 17.41% transporting 356 riders. The Shopper Shuttle, with 502 rides, also experienced a modest decrease of 1.95%.

SAM rides provided 762 rides, an increase of 2.7%. This included the Senior Egg Hunt riders which totaled 35 passengers. ED experienced a 3.61% increase, providing 86 rides to those who would otherwise not be able to get to necessary resources.

SAM-Clackamas Partnership

SAM brought in $4,422.34 in revenue form the oversight of Mt. Hood Express. SAM provided 168 rides to Clackamas County residents, generating $13,432.25 in revenue. The total received to operate the Estacada-Village Shuttle Clackamas County grant was $17,636.87. Overall SAM received $35,491.46 for April 2025.

From the Transit Manager

Travel Training with Cedar Ridge Students

On Friday, March 14, 2025, SAM partnered with Cedar Ridge Middle School to provide a trolley Travel Training combined with a civics lesson for a group of engaged students. The training covered best practices for riding the bus, including how to identify the correct route, communicate your destination to the driver and follow proper bus etiquette. The trip concluded with a visit to City Hall and, of course, the beloved Joe’s Donuts. At City Hall, the City Manager welcomed the students and shared insights into his role, the function of City Council meetings and Sandy geography. The trip was quite a success, leaving students with valuable knowledge and a memorable experience.

Ridership

Overall ridership for March 2025 was 8,151 passengers, an increase of 10.72% from March 2024. SAM-Gresham provided 5,799 rides, a 7.59% increase. SAM-Estacada increased by 169.2% with 638 rides. SAM-Clackamas provided 562 rides, an increase of 102.2%. The Shopper Shuttle decreased by 24.9% providing 447 rides.

SAM rides experienced a decline of 24.5% in March of 2025. ED provided 104 rides, an increase of 57.8%. The decline in ridership is localized and may be due to temporary factors such as spring break and family vacations.

Sandy-Clackamas County Partnership

In February SAM brought in $4,422.34 in revenue from the oversight of Mt. Hood Express. SAM provided 139 rides to Clackamas County residents, generating $12,192.36 in revenue. The total received from the Estacada-Village Shuttle Clackamas County grant was $16,450.56. Overall SAM received $33,068.26 for the month of February.

From the Transit Manager

Ridership

February 2025 overall ridership declined by 6.75% compared with February 2024. Total ridership was 6,689 passengers. SAM-Gresham had 4,748 riders, a 11.98% drop from the previous year. The Shopper Shuttle provided 376 rides, a decrease of 32.98%. The decline in ridership is partially due to the winter storm that occurred mid-February. While we did experience some decline in ridership, the SAM-Estacada increased by 121.14%, providing 544 rides. SAM-Clackamas had 423 passengers, an increase of 235.71%.

SAM rides transported 512 passengers, a decrease of 31.64%. ED provided 86 rides, a decrease of 11.34%. The decrease is likely due to the extreme weather conditions.

Sandy-Clackamas County Partnership

In February SAM brought in $4,422.34 in revenue from the oversight of Mt. Hood Express. SAM provided 75 medical rides to Clackamas County residents, generating $12,192.36 in revenue. The amount received from the Estacada-Village Shuttle Clackamas County Grant was $16,450.56. The grand total revenue from the February services was $33,065.26.

From the Transit Manager

Ridership

SAM rang in the new year with an overall increase in January 2025 ridership by 31.44% compared with January 2024! SAM provided a total of 7,684 rides. SAM-Gresham transported 5,360 passengers, an increase of 21.65%. SAM-Estacada had an increase of 156.31%, providing 610 rides. SAM-Clackamas, hitting it’s one year mark, had 526 riders, an increase of 640.85%. The Shopper Shuttle provided 442 rides, an increase of 9.41%.

SAM rides remained steady, providing 648 rides which was equal to January 2024 ridership. ED transported 98 residents to medical appointments, an increase of 24.05%.

Sandy-Clackamas County Partnership

In January SAM brought in $4,422.34 in revenue from the oversight of Mt. Hood Express. SAM provided 91 rides to Clackamas County residents, generating $8,844.63 in revenue. The total received from the Estacada-Village Shuttle Clackamas County grant was $18,568.13. Overall SAM received $31,835.10 for the month of January.