SAM reports early success of SAM Reimagined Plan; new data reveals increased transit ridership, efficiency, and access in Sioux Falls

December 4, 2024 (Sioux Falls, SD) – Just two months into the rollout of Sioux Area Metro’s (SAM) Reimagined Plan, Sioux Falls is seeing the benefits of a modernized, efficient, and tech-enabled transit system - touting increased transit ridership and positive rider feedback. 

The city launched the SAM Reimagined Plan in mid-September, following months of public engagement sessions and data analysis. The City of Sioux Falls collaborated with transit planners from Via, to design faster and more frequent bus routes alongside greater city-wide transit coverage through an expanded on-demand network.

New data demonstrates the SAM network’s impressive gains in ridership and transit access across the city, affirming Sioux Falls’ continued commitment to community connectivity.

The SAM Reimagined Plan is having a positive impact:

• Increased jobs access: As a result of more available transit, Sioux Falls residents have gained access to 77% more jobs within a 60-minute public transit commute.  
• Growing ridership: Transit ridership has risen by 10% in the six weeks since SAM Reimagined went into effect – showing a strong response from the community and a clear demand for the enhanced services.
• Efficiency boost: The new network has led to a notable increase in efficiency across the different services, with each vehicle carrying more passengers while on the road. On-demand/paratransit efficiency improved by 53% and fixed route efficiency increased by 8%, showing that SAM is serving more riders more cost-effectively than before.

Survey results show high SAM On Demand rider satisfaction: 

• 69% of respondents use the app to book rides.
• 78% of respondents say the app makes using public transit easier or as easy as before the changes.

SAM will continue to focus on meeting community needs:  

• Increasing supply: SAM is responding to the transit network’s high demand by adding four on-demand vehicles.
• Community education and feedback-gathering: SAM will continue to produce educational materials to help riders understand how to best use the system’s new routes and app features. The agency will also continue to hold dedicated sessions with community groups and riders to gather feedback that will inform service refinements. 
• Winter-proof: SAM is already preparing to keep the service resilient and reliable in winter conditions.

• Other upgrades: SAM and the City will work together to identify several bus stop and bus shelter improvements.

As Sioux Falls continues its journey toward a more connected and accessible future, the SAM Reimagined Plan stands as a testament to the city's dedication to improving quality of life through public transportation.

For more information on SAM Reimagined, visit SAM Reimagined.

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About Via

Founded in 2012, Via pioneered the TransitTech category by using new technologies to develop public mobility systems — optimizing networks of buses, shuttles, wheelchair accessible vehicles, school buses, autonomous vehicles, and electric vehicles around the globe. Building the world’s most efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation network for all riders — including those with limited mobility, those without smartphones, and unbanked populations — Via works with its partners to lower the costs of public transit while providing transportation options that rival the convenience of a personal car while reducing the environmental impact. At the intersection of transportation and technology, Via is a visionary market leader that combines software innovation with sophisticated service design and operational expertise to fundamentally improve the way the world moves, providing technology in 700 communities and more than 35 countries and counting.