A new on-demand shared transportation service is coming to the city of Chandler, Ariz., on July 12.
Chandler Flex uses minivans to pick up passengers and take them where they want to go in a limited-service area within Chandler.
To book a ride, passengers can use the mobile app or call. 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.
During a promotional period, the service will be free for students traveling to and from before and after school activities. The city of Chandler was awarded a $2 million grant through the A for Arizona Transportation Modernization Grant Program to cover most of the cost of the program. The grant program’s goal is to modernize K-12 transportation options and improve access to reliable and safe transportation for students.
For the general public, the service will also be free during a promotional period.
“The city of Chandler is proving itself to be a leader in providing reliable, convenient and safe transit options,” said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “We are excited to be able to offer Chandler Flex ride share, providing transportation options for Chandler residents, students, workers and visitors.”
Chandler Flex operates Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The new service will operate in a portion of south Chandler, roughly south of Chandler Blvd. to Chandler Heights Rd., and east of Price Rd. to Arizona Ave.
The goal of Chandler Flex is to use technology to expand access to convenient, affordable and sustainable transportation for residents and visitors. The service will be powered by Via, a global provider of TransitTech. Via’s algorithms create quick, efficient shared trips that provide more flexibility for riders than traditional public transportation options with fixed routes and schedules.
“Via is thrilled to partner with the city of Chandler to launch Chandler Flex, an equitable, efficient and sustainable transportation solution," said Dillon Twombly, chief revenue officer, Via. "Chandler Flex is an example of how tech-enabled transit can connect residents to jobs, healthcare and educational opportunities, and we look forward to seeing how this program will improve mobility for riders in south Chandler.”
