SMART to Reduce Service on Many Routes Effective April 6

April 2, 2020 — South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART), which operates transit services in and near Wilsonville, is temporarily scaling back bus service and office hours effective Monday, April 6.

All routes remain in operation; most will run less frequently. The changes come in response to a sharp decline in ridership following the March 23 Stay at Home directive from the Governor. The changes equate to about a 25% reduction in services.

“The conditions demanded that we reinvent ourselves,” said Transit Director Dwight Brashear. “We looked at ridership and adapted with adjustments that avoid severely impacting the people who count on us.”

The decision follows a similar reduction from Portland’s TriMet and the substantial temporary closure of Salem-based Cherriots. Brashear said carriers are focused on driver and passenger safety, fiscal responsibility, and the importance of delivering essential workers to their place of work. 

“Our primary goals are to keep everyone safe and keep critical community services operating,” Brashear said. “We appreciate that passengers are avoiding non-essential trips to stay at home and help our community recover quickly.”

A complete list of routes with revised schedules is available at RideSMART.com/REDUCED1. Drivers whose routes are affected by these changes are being scheduled to attend in-house trainings.

In conjunction with these changes, SMART’s office hours are being adjusted. Staff is to be available 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, for reservations and information.

SMART’s response to COVID-19 has included the elimination of fares on all routes, a policy that is to remain in effect until the current crisis is abated. SMART buses are cleaned and fogged with a hospital-grade disinfecting agent daily, with touch points and floors wiped down thoroughly. A disinfection station has been set up in the yard, allowing drivers to wipe down their cockpit and high-frequency touch points as needed throughout the day.

For more information, call 503-682-7790 or visit ridesmart.com.