Sioux Area Metro

The Sioux Area Metro (SAM) is the local governmental transit agency in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the largest operator of public transportation in the state. They provide multiple scheduled fixed routes and paratransit services. Although the bus fleet is owned by the city the system is currently managed by First Transit and operated under Sioux Area Metro.

Sioux Area Metro

Headquarters	500 E. Sixth St. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Service area	Urban area
Service type	Bus service Tourist trolley Paratransit
Routes	12
Fleet	29 Buses (Fixed Route) 26 Buses (Paratransit)
Operator	First Transit
Website	Sioux Area Metro

Facilities

Transit Offices and Garage

Address: 500 E. Sixth St.[1]

Coordinates: 43°33′05.7″N 96°43′13.5″W

Facilities: Head office, bus storage and maintenance

The Bus Stop

Main bus terminal in downtown.

Address: 120 E. 11th St.

Coordinates: 43°32′41.4″N 96°43′31.4″W

Facilities: Downtown bus terminal

Southwest Transfer Facility

Address: 4409 S. Louise Ave.

Coordinates: 43°30′17″N 96°46′17″W

Facilities: Mall area bus terminal

Fixed routes

Effective February 1, 2016[2]

Routes operate Monday-Saturday unless otherwise indicated.

No.	Destinations[3]	Notes
1	VA Hospital, South Kiwanis Ave
2	Sanford Hospital, Augustana University, South Western Ave
3	South Minnesota Ave, West 41st St, Empire Mall
4	East 10th St
5	Avera Hospital, South Cliff Ave, South Phillips Ave
6	PREMIER Center, Terrace Park
7	East Sioux Falls, Dawley Farm Village
8	North 4th Ave, North Cliff Ave	Weekday Only
9	East 18th St, East 26th St
10	West 12th St, Hayward Park, South Marion Rd
11	Southwest Circulator
19	University Center, Southeast Tech, North Career Ave	Weekday Only

Discontinued Services

Sioux Area Metro operated an old-time trolley styled bus in the downtown area. In 2014 operation of the service was assumed by Downtown Sioux Falls Inc, and in 2019 they were joined by a coalition of local businesses to continue funding through 2022.[4]

Sioux Area Metro also operated four school "tripper" routes until May 2016. These routes were open to the public, with high schools as destinations. School Bus, Inc is currently operating those routes.[5]

Paratransit

Sioux Falls Paratransit is an extension to the city's fixed-route system, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to use it. Each paratransit bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift. All passengers must be certified by guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and be registered with Sioux Area Metro after qualifying. Passengers must schedule Paratransit trips by calling their local office.[6]

Fleet

2009 2015 2018 Gillig Low Floor

References

1. Office
2. "Sioux Area Metro - City of Sioux Falls PDF Map of all SAM Routes, Shelters and Stops". www.siouxfalls.org. Retrieved 2018-04-15.
3. "City of Sioux Falls Bus Routes". Retrieved 2018-04-15.
4. Tuchscherer, Rebekah. "Downtown Sioux Falls Trolley saved for 2018 summer". Argus Leader. Retrieved 2020-10-26.
5. "Sioux Falls Transit Development Plan". Retrieved 2018-04-15.
6. "Paratransit Service - City of Sioux Falls". www.siouxfalls.org. Retrieved 2018-04-15.