Transit Narrative

April 2018

After a slight decrease in ridership last month, SAM has resumed a healthy increase in ridership. SAM provided 11,316 rides in April 2018 compared to 10,488 rides in April 2017, an overall increase of 7.9%.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced an 5.2% increase in ridership. The new SAM Shopper has experienced 118.2% increase from April 2017. This consistent increase in service proves its importance to meet the needs of Sandy residents.

The Estacada route remained consistent with last year, increasing only by 1 rider. It went from 569 riders to 570 riders. The steady ridership reinforces the necessity of provided a commuter link between Sandy and Estacada.

STAR experienced a 16.8% increase in ridership as compared to 2017 with 1,314 scheduled rides last month.

The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) decreased by 19.6% due to increased dialysis treatment available in Sandy.

SAM staff chose a vendor for the ITS project.  DoubleMap Inc., a company out of Indiana, will provide GPS equipment, tablets, interior LED stop signage, automated announcements and a pre and post trip electronic module.  The equipment will be installed in June and live by June 30, 2018.

SAM staff attended a regional tourism meeting focused on increasing tourism with carless travel options. Staff will continue to attend and participate in future meetings as transit is a vital link in the tourism industry. In addition to planning for future opportunity staff also participated in trainings to reinforce proper reporting of submissions to the State.

SAM also partnered with the Sandy Library for El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Day of the Child/Day of the Book). The trolley provided a shuttle to and from Vista Loop and staff had a booth where they were able to share transportation options with library patrons. Continued collaboration in the future include a travel training with both the Library and the Senior Center.

After a full year of ridership growth, March had a slight decrease in ridership (1.99%).  March of SAM services provided 11,297 rides as compared to March provided 11,526 rides.  This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in rides on the SAM Gresham route.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced a 5.2% decrease in ridership. One possible explanation is construction and changes at the Gresham Transit Center.  During the changes, the SAM bus stop was moved slightly North from its previous location.

The new SAM Shopper has experienced 55.4% increase as compared to March 2017.

The Estacada route has shown rebound from all of the changes made in 2016 and grew by 25.5% as compared to March 2017This route has proven to be an important connection for commuters and the Transit Department hopes to add runs to this route in the near future, especially once the House Bill 2017 funds begin to be distributed.

STAR experienced a slight (2.5%) increase in ridership as compared to 2017 with 1334 scheduled rides last month.

The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) decreased by 30.2% due to increased dialysis treatment available in Sandy.

SAM staff were very successful in the last round of Federal grants.  Through several grant programs, Sandy Transit was awarded over $900,000 for 2 new heavy duty transit buses for the Gresham route, 2 new medium sized buses for the STAR dial-a-ride route and $80,000 to repair and improve the wash bay at the Operations Center.

In March, Sandy selected a vendor for ITS equipment on the buses.  DoubleMap will install tablets on 7 SAM vehicles and 3 MHX vehicles.  SAM will have an app and webpage that will show the location of moving buses and estimated arrival times.  DoubleMap will install interior signage that will visually display the next bus stop and could potentially display advertising.  The equipment will use the bus GPS location to announce the next stop automatically.  All of the information, including the pre-trip and post-trip entered by drivers will be uploaded to the computer reporting system located in the office reducing the need for office staff to enter the data.  The system will be up and running by June, according to the contract, but we actually expect completion sooner.

Due to changes made in late 2016, ridership continues to increase. Total ridership this month was 9,742 compared to 9,195 rides in 2017, an overall increase of 5.9%.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced an 8.8% increase in ridership. The new SAM Shopper has experienced 50% increase from February 2017.

The Estacada route decreased by 8.8%. The early morning run was canceled twice during the snow storm and this route operated on a snow route several days, impacting ridership.

STAR continues to decrease in ridership, due to the shift in ride mode to the SAM Shopper combined with road and weather conditions for 2 weeks of February. STAR ridership decreased by 9.1%, from 1188 to 1089.  The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) decreased by 42.3% due to increased dialysis treatment available in Sandy and weather conditions.

SAM staff continue to attend RAC meetings, hold a board position on the Oregon Transit Association and serve on the HB 2017 Regional Coordination Technical Committee.  All positions and attendance haven proven vital during the HB2017 rules writing process and the short legislative session.

The City’s partnership with Clackamas County continues to achieve efficient transportation goals in the area. Bus sharing has proven beneficial to both parties as necessary repairs are completed.  Both SAM and Clackamas County have numerous grant applications submitted to replace rolling stock and maintain a fleet “in good repair” as set by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Federal Transportation Association.  Available grant funds remain low statewide for procurement of vehicles.

Due to changes made in late 2016, ridership continues to increase at a swift pace. Total ridership this month was 10,356 compared to 8,740 rides in 2017, an overall increase of 18.5%.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced a 19.1% increase in ridership. The new SAM Shopper has experienced 76.9% increase from January 2017. The Estacada route increased ridership by 16.9%.

The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) decreased by 22.0% due to increased dialysis treatment availability in Sandy. STAR continues to decrease in ridership, due to the popularity of the SAM Shopper. STAR ridership increased by 8.0%, from 1027 to 1110.

SAM staff continue to participate in a statewide workgroup to evaluate the current method of allocation for federal transit funds distributed to rural agencies (5311). The workgroup has finalized the changes that will go into effect in the next biennium. Staff continue to attend each RAC meetings concerning HB2017. SAM is collaborating with Clackamas County providers to ensure equity in funding and a county-wide approach to improved connectivity. Andi Howell is also serving on the HB 2017 Regional Coordination Technical Committee.

The City’s partnership with Clackamas County continues to achieve efficient transportation goals in the area. Bus sharing has proved to be beneficial to both parties as necessary repairs are completed.
The plans for 2 new bus barns at the Sandy Operations Center continue to develop. Staff is preparing the Scope of Work for the updated Transit Master Plan. Staff opened bids for the vehicle ITS equipment and plan to make a final selection in February.

Ridership Patterns 2016-2018

Ridership continues to improve. Total ridership this month was 10,147 compared to 9,538 rides in 2016, an overall increase of 6.4%.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced a 6.0% increase in ridership. The new SAM Shopper has experienced 246.7% increase over the first month of implementation last December. There was due, in part, to a special run for the City’s tree lighting ceremony and it was a huge success! A total of 214 riders were driven to view neighborhood lights, eliminating a great deal of street traffic to a popular holiday attraction. The shuttle was so popular that an additional 5 runs were added and there was still a crowd as we shut down the service. Plans to increase the opportunity for next year’s event are already in the works. The Estacada route increased ridership by 1.9%. The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) remained virtually the same (79 instead of 80 rides). STAR is the only route to experience a decrease in ridership, an intended consequence of the SAM Shopper. STAR ridership decreased by 13.3%, from 1169 to 1013.

SAM staff continues to participate in a statewide work group to evaluate the current method of allocation for federal transit funds distributed to rural agencies (5311). This is an important piece of funding that provides much needed stability in revenue. The work group is expected to continue until April. Sandy staff are also actively involved in the rule making process for the allocation of the new HB 2017 funding. Staff have attended each rule making meeting and are working with other Clackamas County providers to ensure equity in funding and a county-wide approach to improved connectivity.

The City continues to work in an efficient partnership with Clackamas County to achieve transportation goals in the area. The bus sharing program that is currently in place is under review for further sharing opportunities during the peak winter season for Clackamas County. The City is currently expanding its ticket sale locations to include the Sandy library. Discussions to sell tickets with local businesses are also underway.
Plans for 2 new bus barns at the Sandy Operations Center continue. Staff continues to revise the Scope of Work for the updated Transit Master Plan. Staff also is in process of the selection and procurement of ITS equipment.
Ridership Patterns 2016 – 2017

Ridership continues to improve. Total ridership this month was 9,901 compared to 9,506 rides in 2016, an overall increase of 4.2%.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced a 3.9% increase in ridership. The new SAM Shopper has experienced 95% increase over the first month of implementation last December. The Estacada route provided nearly the same number of rides as compared to October 2016 (505 versus 504). The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) increased by 32%. STAR is the only route to experience a decrease in ridership, an intended consequence of the SAM Shopper. STAR ridership decreased by 9.7%, from 1172 to 1009.

In November, SAM staff again participated in a statewide work group to evaluate the current method of allocation for federal transit funds distributed to rural agencies (5311). This is an important piece of funding that provides much needed stability in revenue. The work group is expected to continue until April. Sandy staff are also actively involved in the rule making process for the allocation of the new HB 2017 funding. Staff have attended every rule making meeting to date and are working with other Clackamas County providers to ensure equity in funding and a county-wide approach to improved connectivity.

Muna, on behalf of Mt Hood Express (MHX), was awarded her first grant! She successfully obtained funding for new signage and bus shelters in the mountain communities through Clackamas County Tourism. The City has also stepped in to loan a vehicle to the Clackamas County TRP program as they had no wheelchair accessible vehicle and no ability to obtain one quickly. These are just a couple of examples of the great partnership Sandy and Clackamas County have created.

Plans for 2 new bus barns at the Sandy Operations Center continue with construction expected by spring 2018. ODOT visited Sandy Transit in November and staff completed the first draft of the Scope of Work for the updated Transit Master Plan. Staff continue to work on procurement of ITS equipment and hope to complete the vendor selection by the end of December 2017.

Ridership Patterns Since November 2016 Changes

Ridership continues to improve. Total ridership this month was 11,168 compared to 9,940 rides in 2016, an overall increase of 12.4%.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced a 9% increase in ridership. The new SAM Shopper has experienced 245.8% increase over the first month of implementation last December. The Estacada route has also rebounded and increased 18.1% as compared to October 2016. The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) increased by 44%.

STAR is the only route to experience a decrease in ridership, an intended consequence of the SAM Shopper. STAR ridership decreased by 8.8%, from 1160 to 1058. The reduction in ridership has allowed STAR to return to same day service without the need of an additional vehicle and driver.

In October, SAM staff (Andi Howell, Muna Rustam), TAC members (Heather Michet, Joseph Lowe and Roxy Tolva) attended the Oregon Public Transportation Conference in Pendleton. Andi Howell was a presenter at the conference on a school education program Sandy created in which the resulting children’s art is used as the posted “rules” on the SAM Gresham buses.

Andi and Muna also participated in the State Roadeo as judges. Two SAM drivers, Brain Jensen and Ben Smith, competed in the Roadeo. Brian received a perfect score on the wheelchair securement test and 3rd on the written exam. Ben placed 3rd on pre-trip inspection section of the competition. Both drivers were excellent representations of the professional, well trained drivers who work for RoJoy Services on behalf of the City.

During October, Andi Howell participated on the Estacada Technical Advisory Committee as part of the Bike/Ped improvement plan. This plan will become a subset of the existing Transportation Services Plan. Andi also participated on a statewide panel, the 5311 work group, to discuss the current process of disseminating these federal funds, including method, factors used in the allocation process and performance measures.  These funds are a vital source of revenue for all rural transit agencies as well as the most stable.  Both the Estacada TAC and the 5311 work group will continue into November.

Plans for 2 new bus barns at the Sandy Operations Center continue. Staff from ODOT Rail and Public Transit and the Highway division visited the Operations Center to better understand the project and begin the Scope of Work to move the project along. The plan is to begin construction by spring 2018.

Finally, in a partner update, Mount Hood Express services began chaining vehicles as of October 1. The bike trailers have been removed from service and ski boxes have been affixed to the back of the buses for the winter season.

Total ridership this month was 10,571 compared to 10,053 riders in 2016, an overall increase of 5%.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced a 6% increase in ridership. The new SAM Shopper has experienced 68% increase over the first month of implementation in December.

The SAM Estacada route experienced a decrease of 9% over August 2016. This decrease is due to a road closure in Estacada that caused a disruption in service for several weeks. Although we did not stop service, one of the most frequented bus stops was impacted. Construction ceased and the road was reopened October 10, so we expect to see ridership recover.

The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) provided the same number of trips this month as compared to September 2016.

Finally, STAR ridership decreased by 9%. Most of the decrease can be attributed to the success of the shopper shuttle route.

In September, Muna Rustam, Transit’s Program Administrator provided a day training in conjunction with Oral Hull for the Blind. Participants were picked up by Sandy Transit’s dial-a-ride service STAR, transported to Tollgate for an informational lunch where Muna and TriMet provided information to the class about transit services. After lunch, the group transferred onto the SAM Gresham route where they connected with TriMet services in Gresham. Later, the group was returned via SAM Gresham and STAR. These types of training are an integral service that SAM provides to groups and individuals free of charge as part of our travel training program.

SAM also took part in a “Transit Outside Metro” story line conducted by Metro. Impressed by the level of service Sandy provides, Metro asked to interview riders. We were happy to have them at the Operations Center in Sandy where they interviewed riders and rode the fixed route.

Sandy staff and TAC member Caren Topliff attended an STF (Special Transportation Funds) workgroup to discuss and create improved performance measures and reporting procedures to the STF Advisory Committee.

The TAC meeting was held in September as well. Currently TAC has no bylaws or term limits. Reorganization of the committee to meet the needs of the City and the Federal government were discussed at length.

Total ridership this month was 11,319 compared to 10,577 riders in 2016, an overall increase of 7%.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced a 5.8% increase in ridership. The new SAM Shopper has experienced 210.8% increase over the first month of implementation in December.

Transit is thrilled to report that the SAM Estacada route experienced an increase of 2.6% over August 2016.  August 2016 was before the many changes were made to the Estacada route, therefore, ridership on this route has returned and saw a slight increase.

The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) experienced a 17% decrease.  This program saw a large increase in usage in 2016, even with a 17% decrease over August of 2016, ridership remains 71.9% higher than the ridership in August 2015.  A return to lower numbers of out-of-town medical trips is welcome.

Finally, STAR ridership decreased by 9.8%.  Most of the decrease can be attributed to the success of the shopper shuttle route.  The SAM shopper was designed to augment the higher cost, high demand dial-a-ride service and reduce some scheduling difficulties.

In August, Transit learned they had been awarded a Transportation Growth Management award from ODOT.  This project is estimated at $120,000 of which Sandy Transit will provide 12% or $14,400.  This project will provide a 20 year plan for the transit system and identify Sandy Transit’s role in regional connectivity.

Sandy staff collaborated with the Recreation and Library Departments to provide the trolley during the Eclipse Event in the park.  The shuttle operated for 3 hours and transported 39 people to the event.

As part of the Sandy/Mount Hood Express collaboration, Sandy added a new employee to the team in August.  Lucy Brice brings customer service, accounting and technology skills to the Transit team which are vital attributes for the Transit Administrative Assistant position.

Total ridership this month was 10,238 compared to 9,927 riders in 2016, an overall increase of 3.1%.

The SAM-Gresham route experienced a 5% increase in ridership. The new Shopper Shuttle has experienced 102.5% increase over the first month of implementation in  December.

The SAM Estacada route experienced a decrease of 23.4%. Although this is an increase of 24.8% since the largest drop in ridership when changes were made to the route in December of 2016, staff are developing a service plan enhancement for this route. This enhancement will require additional funding and staff are actively involved in submitting grants to supplement some of the outreach and advertising costs.

The Elderly and Disabled program (out-of-town medical rides) experienced a 28.9% decrease, a welcome slow to what has been a high demand and under-funded service in recent years. Finally, STAR ridership decreased by 12.3%. The STAR dial-a-ride system has been returned to a same day service when the schedule allows however dispatchers do a fantastic job of routing people to the SAM Shopper when possible.

In July, Sandy Transit received the much anticipated Hometown Trolley. The trolley was purchased using Special Transportation Funding (STF); the cost to the City was $10,639.  This “trolley style” vehicle is built on a Ford rail chassis and carries 18-20 passengers and 2 wheelchair stations. It is a low floor vehicle with a Kelderman air system for kneeling, a Braun ramp and no interior steps. The trolley will operate on the SAM Shopper route in-town and be pulled into special events which warrant a shuttle to reduce the numbers of cars on Highway 26. The first run was in the Sandy Mountain Festival parade on July 6. Saturday and Sunday of the festival the trolley operated as a shuttle in an effort to reduce congestion and parking issues. As with most new vehicles, the trolley then returned to the vendor for some minor adjustments and Sandy is still working out some tire rubbing problem in the passenger wheel well but the vehicle has been in service. In collaboration with the Recreation and Library Departments, the trolley will run a shuttle route during an Eclipse Event in a local park.

In collaboration efforts with other Region 1 rural transit agencies, Sandy participated in a “One Call, One Click” workgroup meeting. During the 2017-2019 STF grant process, the STF Advisory Committee voted to obtain grant funding for a “one stop” style system that would allow anyone, especially persons with a disability and/or the elderly, to be able to easily identify their transportation options in Multnomah, Clackamas and Hood River Counties. The funds were awarded and a “One Call, One Click” feasibility study is underway. Also as a collaborative effort, Sandy’s Transit Director joined the Columbia Area Transit District’s selection committee for a new Transit Director in Hood River County. Patty Fink, a transit consultant, was chosen for the position.

Finally, in July, Transit began the hiring process for a new Transit Assistant as Sandy began oversight of Mount Hood Express operations.  This new working relationship has already proven worthy of cost efficiency as we implement new approaches to procure stock supplies and mechanical time management.