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County transit says Oregon City shuttle averages roughly 446 rides a month; promotion and routing flagged as priorities
Summary
Clackamas County transit manager Christina Babcock told the commission the Oregon City shuttle averages about 446 riders a month (~22/day), is free to ride and funded by payroll-tax regional funds (HB 2017). Commissioners discussed signage, routing to large apartment complexes and weekend service but funding constraints limit expansion.
Christina Babcock, transit services manager for Clackamas County, briefed the Oregon City Commission on the locally focused shuttle that connects neighborhoods to the Oregon City Transit Center, shopping areas and Clackamas Community College.
"The average monthly ridership since the shuttle started is about 446 riders a month, which puts it approximately 22 riders a day," Babcock said. She described the service as a "deviated fixed route" that will deviate up to three-quarters of a mile to pick up riders with mobility challenges.
Babcock said peak usage is roughly 8–10 a.m. and again in the afternoon near the commute window, and that the shuttle supports older adults, people with disabilities and riders connecting to regional transit. The service is free and funded through regional payroll-tax funds established under HB 2017.
Commissioners asked about outreach, signage and potential route adjustments. One commissioner suggested clearer signage with a "shuttle" label and a QR code. Another pointed out a dense cluster of about 400 apartment units near Beavercreek that is currently served by the Estacada shuttle, not the Oregon City shuttle, and urged staff to evaluate whether a routing change could capture new riders.
On funding, Babcock said the broader budget environment is uncertain because the shuttle program relies on payroll-tax-derived regional coordination funds that may decline. Staff have built reserves and made service adjustments elsewhere (longer headways, reduced weekend service on other shuttles) to manage costs; weekend service for Oregon City is desired by riders but not funded.
Babcock asked the commission what changes it would like staff to explore, including route tweaks and sustainability options. City staff said they will work with county communications staff to highlight the service in the city's outreach channels.
