SMART Working to Sustain Safe, Uninterrupted and Fare-Free Service

March 19, 2020  — With the COVID-19 response efforts requiring social distancing, business closures, canceled activities and disrupted routines around the globe, South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) operations are unusual in that they are continuing with virtually no disruption.

Currently, Wilsonville’s independent transit operator is operating all routes, all days. While ridership is down by nearly half, SMART Director Dwight Brashear notes this is allowing riders to get to their destinations comfortably, without worrying about other passengers getting too close.

“The social distancing is happening organically because we’re seeing lighter passenger loads,” said Brashear, who has hopped aboard several buses recently to chat with riders and bus drivers about COVID-19 concerns. “We’ve been able to continue helping the people who count on us and may not have other options.”

All SMART routes serving Wilsonville and Tualatin operate fare-free. Beginning today, all SMART buses that travel outside of Wilsonville – serving Canby, Salem and medical trips to locales throughout the metro area – are moving temporarily to a fare-free model to avoid the exchange of money between drivers and passengers.

“We have a responsibility to our drivers and our passengers to provide a safe, clean environment and this makes sense,” said Brashear, who has been in communication with Clackamas County and other regional transportation providers to share best industry practices.

Brashear said SMART buses are being thoroughly cleaned at the end of their service day, with touch points and floors wiped down thoroughly and disinfected. As an extra precaution, he said the buses are being “fogged” with a hospital-grade disinfecting agent daily.

Additionally, the fleet manager has set up a disinfection station in the yard that allows drivers to wipe down their cockpit and high frequent touch points between routes as needed.

“We realize that many residents depend on us for critical trips to stores, to doctors, or to their workplace, and we’re doing everything we can to take care of them with as little disruption as possible,” said Brashear, noting that SMART supervisors and staff have been spending more time on routes assisting drivers and ensuring compliance with COVID-19 best practices.

SMART’s has canceled two “Learn to Ride” clinics for young cyclists, scheduled at area schools on April 4 and 6. A decision on future Learn to Ride events will be made as dates draw near. To this point, that has been the only significant interruption of SMART services.

Brashear encourages people to reach out and call 503-682-7790 for any SMART-related questions or concerns as the current public health crisis unfolds.

“We love hearing from riders and we recognize that we’re living in an uncertain environment that’s changing day to day,” Brashear said. “If you have questions, call us and let’s talk.”