SE Valley Times

Two years ago, the City of Chandler launched Chandler Flex, an on-demand shared transportation service. This unique service allows passengers to be picked up by a minivan and transported to their desired location within a limited service area in Chandler. Since its inception, Chandler Flex has provided over 60,000 rides with popular destinations including Hamilton High School, Chandler High School, Intel, Walgreens, Chandler Regional Medical Center, Walmart, and the Chandler Fashion Center.

The service has been highly rated by its users with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Due to its success and popularity among residents, there have been numerous requests for the city to expand the service to other parts of Chandler.

In 2022, the city was awarded a $2 million grant through the A for Arizona Transportation Modernization Grant Program. This grant covered most of the cost of the program for its first two years. However, these funds will expire at the end of June 2024.

Recently, the Chandler City Council approved a one-year extension of its agreement with River North Transit LLC (Via) to continue operating this micro-transit service until June 20, 2025. The operation will be funded by a combination of general fund and Arizona Lottery Funds. Additionally, the city is expecting to receive a congressionally-directed spending grant worth $1 million which will cover half of the cost of running Chandler Flex for up to two more years.

Passengers can use the Chandler Flex app or call in to request rides on vans within the service area from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. The current fare is $2 per ride or $1 for seniors or people with disabilities while students traveling to and from school are offered free trips.

To book a ride, users can either use the mobile app or call 602-932-0291. Once a ride is booked, the system provides ride options and directs riders to a nearby "virtual bus stop" within walking distance, where a driver is dispatched to meet them.