SAM continues to run service at pre-COVID service levels but with social distancing and COVID related safety requirements. All touch points are cleaned at the end of each run and buses are thoroughly disinfected after each shift using an electrostatic sprayer. An entire bus can be disinfected in 10 minutes. Drivers continue to wear masks, operate behind germ guards and have hand sanitizer available at all time. Additionally, passengers are required to wear masks and hand sanitizer stations have been installed in every bus for the passenger use.

Overall, ridership was 43.3% lower than that of September 2019. SAM Gresham was 40.5% lower. Estacada was down 51.4%, SAM rides was down 55.1%, the Shopper Shuttle was down 65.2%, Elderly and Disabled rides decreased slightly by 22.2%.

Most transit agencies are reporting similar ridership patterns, with 60-65% typical ridership. As you can see from the following chart, ridership patterns are very typical, albeit reduced.

COVID and wildfires greatly impacted ridership in September. As illustrated in the chart, ridership patterns (typically lower in September) continue, but remain at lower numbers than 2019. Overall, ridership was 47% lower than that of September 2019. SAM Gresham was 44% lower. Estacada, suspended due to wildfires, was down 62%, SAM rides was down 36%, the Shopper Shuttle, also suspended due to wildfires, was down 68%, Elderly and Disabled rides decreased slightly by 15%.

SAM staff continue to procure COVID-19 related items for vehicles such as added fold away seats for SAM rides vehicles and professionally installed germ guards.

The bus barn project, which saw some delays due to smoke, is now in the last few weeks. A few items remain on the punch list and should be complete by the end of November.

The bus wash is complete and the wash equipment has been completely renovated.

With the purchase of two vehicles, to be approved by Council this month, all 7 new vehicles expected this biennium will have been purchased.

Fire/smoke update: Transit suspended Estacada and the Shopper Shuttle routes briefly due to fire and smoke. SAM Gresham remained on schedule throughout the emergency, although ridership was extremely low.

Similar to July, ridership remains lower than previous years. Overall, ridership was 41% lower than that of August 2019. SAM Gresham was 39% lower. Estacada ridership was down 34%, SAM rides was down 33%, the Shopper Shuttle is down 66%, Elderly and Disabled rides increased slightly by 10%.

Service levels remain at pre-COVID levels. Staff continue to work to provide safe transportation by ordering permanent hand sanitizing stations for each vehicle and procurement of permanent, professionally installed germ guards. Vehicle disinfecting, PPE and social distancing requirements continue.

Currently staff are working to create the next STIF Plan. The Plan will be taken to the Transit Advisory Board in September, the Clackamas County Advisory Committee in October and on to TriMet’s Board for approval in November.

In July, Transit conducted a RFQ for 2 new vehicles for the Elderly and Disabled medical rides program. The results were for gasoline and alternative fuel comparisons. The resulting bids were surprisingly high so transit staff will continue market research to explore all options before bringing before Council for recommendations and approval.

A construction plan is currently being created to move the Highway 26 bus stop currently in front of KFC further West, after the intersection. A new shelter will also be constructed at this stop.

In July, ridership continued to rebound although not to previous ridership levels. Overall ridership was down 36.8%. SAM Gresham ridership was down 36.7%. Estacada ridership was down 31.7%, SAM rides is down 30%, the Shopper Shuttle is down 50%, Elderly and Disabled rides is down by 37.5%. These ridership trends are comparable to other transit systems, especially considering that the many continue to work from home, schools are not open and people are attempting to avoid public spaces if possible.

Service levels remain at pre-COVID levels. With increasing ridership and social distancing in place, Sandy will likely begin to launch a second vehicle at peak times to ensure no person is left behind. The funding for extra drivers will be covered with the CARES ACT funds that were awarded to Sandy. Those funds will also be used to replace the loss of fares and for capital costs for things such as germ guards as well.

Currently staff are working to create the next STIF Plan. The Plan will be taken to the Transit Advisory Board in September, the Clackamas County Advisory Committee in October and on to TriMet’s Board for approval in November.

Also in July a Request For Quotes (RFQ) was released for 2 minivan type vehicles for the Elderly and Disabled medical rides program. The results of the RFQ will be brought before Council at the next meeting for approval.

In July, Transit requested and received approval from ODOT to move the bus stop currently in front of KFC. Transit has a beautiful new shelter that we would like to install West of the Ruben/26 intersection (in front of McDonald’s) to get the bus out of the right turn lane when stopping for passengers. This should create a more safe bus stop environment and improve the flow of traffic.

Transit is currently working on an RFQ for wifi on the Gresham route vehicles and has an RFQ out for new dispatch software.

And finally, we continue to oversee the construction of the bus barns. The last change order has been signed that grants an extension to September 24th for completion as the buildings were not delivered until July 26th.

In June, the Transit Director (in her capacity as Oregon Transit Association President) testified to the Joint Committee on Transportation on LC 43, a measure that would allow Transit agencies across the State to use Statewide Transportation Improvement Funds (STIF) to maintain existing service and consolidate the STIF and STF funding. As agencies across the State struggle with increased costs and decreased revenue, it is vital that agencies have flexibility in funding use. As you may remember, STIF funding could only be used for expanded or enhanced (new) service. During times of COVID, it will be more important to maintain existing service and shift service modes to meet the needs of the community (like delivering Meals on Wheels) rather than expand. The measure became Senate Bill 1601 and the Sandy Director again testified in front of the First Special Session of 2020 in support of the bill. The bill passed the Senate and the House Friday, June 26. This is great news for Oregon transit agencies, including SAM as we strive to maintain pre-COVID service levels.

In June, ridership increased to 6250, a 27% growth from April. However, this is approximately 40% of our ridership numbers compared to June 2019.

As riders begin to return and social distancing guidelines remain in place, SAM will need to face the very real possibility that extra vehicles and drivers may be needed to meet the needs of the community. At this point in time, SAM staff and MV have agreed to have a back up vehicle ready in the event that a bus cannot accommodate everyone at a stop. For example, the Shopper Shuttle can currently only accommodate 5 people, including the driver. In June, the Shopper carried 3.4 people an hour. If Clackamas County reopens and enters stage 2, we may see the Shopper Shuttle reach capacity in just a few weeks.

Also in June, the bus wash repairs were complete with new replacement parts and plumbing, resulting in a near complete replacement and like new mechanics. The bus barn construction continues and this beautiful vehicle was shipped.

During May, MV Transportation Inc. was issued an Intent to Award the Sandy operations contract and many on-site changes took place. Drivers were retrained, a new operations manager and assistant operations manager moved into their office in the Sandy Operations Center, buses were inspected by MV staff to assess the fleet and were fitted with dash cameras and mobile eye systems (detection systems to assist drivers with blind spots). All Sandy drivers were issued their final City of Sandy paycheck May 29 and were officially hired by MV on May 30.

While change is always difficult and there have been some bumps in the road of transition, the benefits of choosing a contractor and returning Transit administration staff to our “typical” workloads is welcome and timely. Muna Rustam and Nancy Payne have worked many hours and were an incredible team for the past six months alongside Sandy’s professional drivers, dispatch and maintenance.

Construction on the bus barns continues at the Operations Center. This has been a larger and more expensive project than expected due to misinformation and incorrect topography in the original as-built documents from many years ago. The architectural and construction teams have been able to problem solve and move forward, with much more excavation than anticipated. The completion date has been moved to July 31 to accommodate the modifications that have occurred. The repair and rebuild of the bus wash (also pictured) was down sized considerably to off set the added cost of the bus barn construction.

Transit ridership had been increasing in 2019 and was very strong in January and February of 2020. This chart illustrates the COVID-19 impacts to Sandy Transit’s overall ridership.

The SAM Gresham route returned to full service May 1, running every half hour. The Elderly and Disabled Medical Rides driver continued to provide medical rides but with most appointments cancelled, Transit was able to assist the Senior Center for meal delivery (Meals on Wheels) Monday through Friday throughout the month.
While ridership is down, it is important to remember that in April and May there were still over 150 people per day using this transit system to get to work, family and goods and services.

Mt Hood Express continued to significantly reduce service. The Express route was combined with the Village Shuttle route, providing only 5 runs per day, down from 11. Service may be increased in June as the recreation areas reopen.

All services, SAM and MHX, remained fareless during this time as well as all Clackamas County Transit (CAT, SCTD and SMART).

Due to the COVID-19 virus, Transit is watching ridership very closely to determine the needs of the community. As you can see from the chart, ridership has declined significantly (blue line).  In February 2020 ridership was strong, until the Covid-19 stay healthy, stay home guidance.

While ridership is down, it is important to remember that in April there were still over 150 people per day using this transit system as it is essential for them to get to work, get to family and get goods and services they need.  Therefore, Transit will strive to continue to provide service and be a lifeline for those who need it.

The SAM Gresham route will return to full service May 1, running every half hour. The Medical Rides driver continues to provide medical rides but is also assisting the Senior Center for Meals on Wheels Monday through Friday.

Mt Hood Express has significantly reduced service. The Express route has been combined with the Village Shuttle route, providing only 5 runs per day, down from 11. Service may be increased in June as the recreation areas reopen.

All services, SAM and MHX, are fareless during this time as well as all Clackamas County Transit (CAT, SCTD and SMART).

Due to the COVID-19 virus, Transit is watching ridership very closely to determine the needs of the community. As you can see from the chart, ridership has declined significantly (blue line).  February 2020 is represented by red line showing that ridership was strong, stronger than March of 2019 (green), until the Covid-19 stay in place orders.

While ridership is down, it is important to remember that there are still hundreds of people per day using this system as it is essential for them to get to work, get to family and get goods and services they need.  Therefore, Transit will strive to continue to provide service and be a lifeline for those who need it.

The SAM Gresham route has been changed to Saturday service, running hourly rather than every half hour. The Medical Rides driver is still giving medical rides but is also assisting the Senior Center for Meals on Wheels Monday through Friday, with the exception of Thursday. We have partnered with Sandy’s Helping Hands and Fred Meyer to deliver groceries to those in need as part of the SAM rides program. Estacada and Shopper Shuttle routes have not been changed.

Mt Hood Express has significantly reduced service. The Express route has decreased from 8 runs daily to 3 and is no longer serving Ski Bowl or Timberline due to State restrictions.  The Village Shuttle continues to operate the regular schedule.

All services, SAM and MHX, are fareless during this time as well as all Clackamas County Transit (CAT, SCTD and SMART).

The Transit Department continues to hire and train drivers. Administrative staff, Muna Rustam and Nancy Payne, have stepped in to fill many roles in the “operations” side of Transit, such as driver work schedules, SAM rides trip scheduling, counting fares, data entry, creation of performance reports and much, much more!! As the Director, I can not say enough about the staff in the Transit Department. Everyone is giving 115% to continue to provide the high level of service to which Sandy and the surrounding areas are accustomed.

At the January Oregon Transit Association (OTA) Board meeting, Transit Director Andi Howell was voted OTA President. This Assocation was awarded the State Leadership Award at the Community Transit Association of America (CTAA) Conference last June, for “providing creative, effective and continuing training and technical assistance programs, using new concepts, strategies, procedures and policies to provide support to local transit systems, and more.” This award illustrates the strength of the Association and the members that serve on that board; I am very proud to take the lead for the next two years.

Ridership was up in January 2020 as compared to January 2019, an overall increase of 11.04%.  SAM services provided 10,974 rides in January, compared to 9,883 in January 2019.  8,074 of those rides were on the SAM Gresham route, an increase of 8.07%.  The SAM Estacada route is experiencing increases in ridership as well, with 47.8% increased ridership.  The Shopper Shuttle increased by 111.7% providing over 1,000 rides in January.  SAM rides experienced a decrease of 24%, likely due to a combination of more available shopper shuttle hours and dispatch/scheduler changes. The Edlerly and Disabled medical rides program (ED) also saw a decrease of 9.4%. 

In December, bids were opened and scored for construction of 2 new Sandy Bus Barns. There were 8 responsive bids, 1 bid was not accepted as it arrived late. The winner of the bid process was Columbia Cascade Construction. City Council approved the City Manager to negotiate the contract. Also in December, Sandy Transit received 1 responsive bed for a new trolley style vehicle for the Estacada route.

The new STAR vehicles are in service. The STAR (Sandy Transit Area Rides) has been updated with a new SAM rides logo. This logo aligns with the Sandy city branding. Using the SAM branding ties the SAM fixed route and former STAR dial-a-ride together in the mind of the Sandy resident. It illustrates that although different types of service, they are all City owned and operated. Hopefully, it also makes it more visible as a service that is open to the public in general. We updated the photo, wrapping more around the back of the vehicle for visibility.

Another great addition to the new SAM rides wrap is a large, visible thank you to the Sandy business community for its support in the form of the business tax. The back of the SAM rides vehicles reads “SUPPORTED BY LOCAL BUSINESS”.

Sketch of New Wrap with New Logo and Layout

As of December 16, RoJoy Services LLC was dissolved and all Sandy and Mt Hood Express drivers were hired by the City of Sandy as temporary employees while the City seeks a permanent solution. The Board of County Commissioners sent the City Council a letter of support in this decision and the City and County continue to collaborate during the transition.