CHANDLER, Ariz – It was two years ago that the City of Chandler launched Chandler Flex, an on-demand, shared transportation service, in which a minivan picks up passengers and takes them where they want to go in a limited service area within Chandler.
In the first year and a half of service, more than 60,000 rides have been provided by Chandler Flex. Hamilton High School, Chandler High School, Intel, Walgreens, Chandler Regional Medical Center, Walmart, and Chandler Fashion Center are popular destinations. The service has received high ratings from its passengers (4.9 out of 5.0 stars), and residents have made many requests to the city to expand the service to other parts of Chandler.
The city was awarded a $2 million grant through the A for Arizona Transportation Modernization Grant Program in 2022 to cover most of the cost of the program for its first two years. The grant funds will expire at the end of June 2024.
The Chandler City Council recently approved a one-year extension of its agreement with River North Transit, LLC, (Via) to continue operating the micro-transit service through June 20, 2025, funded by a combination of general fund and Arizona Lottery Funds. The city is also anticipating receiving a $1,000,000 congressionally-directed spending grant to fund 50% of the cost of Chandler Flex service for up to two more years.
How it works
Passengers use the Chandler Flex app or call in to request rides on Chandler Flex vans within the service area from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Chandler Flex service area is generally bound by Chandler Boulevard to the north, Chandler Heights Road to the south, Price Road to the west, and Arizona Avenue to the east. Additionally, there are some extensions to serve activity centers, such as Chandler Fashion Center, Chandler High School, Downtown Chandler and surrounding neighborhoods, and Tumbleweed Park.
Rides may be shared with other passengers, and a short walk to/ from pick-up and drop-off points may be required. The current fare is $2 per ride or $1 for seniors or people with disabilities. Students taking trips to and from school get free trips.
To book a ride, you can use the Chandler Flex mobile app or call 602-932-0291. Once a ride is entered, the system will provide ride options. Riders are then directed to a nearby “virtual bus stop” within a short walking distance, and a driver is dispatched to meet at that location.
Media contact:
Jennifer Honea
Public Information Officer
480-782-2228