The City of Chandler's transportation service, Chandler Flex, just clocked in its 100,000th ride since its inception in July 2022. To mark this milestone, a routine trip to the Chandler Senior Center became a mini-celebration for Betty Neal, the lucky recipient of the service's 100,000th ride. Chandler staff made sure to add some festivity to her day with balloons and exclusive Chandler merchandise.
Riding the wave of success, the Chandler Flex has seen a significant jump in use over the past year, with a notable 35 percent increase in ridership from January 2024 to January 2025. This growth reflects the program's ability to resonate with the community, providing a vital service that promotes independence and quality of life. Particularly, it serves as a boon for students needing to seamlessly move to and from school activities.
Those looking to book a ride with Chandler Flex can conveniently do so using a mobile app or by calling 602-932-0291. Users will then be prompted to choose from available ride options, with directions to a nearby "virtual bus stop" for pickup. Implemented with efficiency in mind, it's a shared ride service, implying that additional passengers may be picked up or dropped off en route, as per the City of Chandler press release.
The service operates in a designated portion of south Chandler, covering the area from Chandler Blvd. to Chandler Heights Road and Price Road to McQueen Road. Operating hours span from Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., aiming to consistently provide access to convenient and sustainable transportation options within the region. As quoted from the City of Chandler's official announcement, Chandler Flex has managed to use technology to not just meet, but exceed community transportation needs.
Chandler's innovative approach to micro transit with Chandler Flex comes at a time when affordable and sustainable transportation solutions are more sought after than ever. According to rider feedback, the service stands as a testament to the city's commitment to enhancing mobility for its diverse populace. As Betty Neal put it in a statement celebrated by the City of Chandler, "I love it! They bring me [to the Senior Center]. They’re so sweet."
