The city of Chandler celebrated what it calls a major milestone for one of its transit programs, according to a news release.

In July 2022, the release states, the city launched Chandler Flex —  an on-demand, shared transportation service.

In February, the microtransit program provided its 100,000th ride.

To celebrate, city staff surprised Betty Neal, who was the 100,000th ride recipient. They brought her balloons and some Chandler "swag" when she arrived at the Chandler Senior Center on a recent Monday morning.

Neal, the release states, is a regular Chandler Flex rider who appreciates her expanded mobility and the friendliness of drivers, “I love it. They bring me (to the Senior Center). They’re so sweet.”

Chandler Flex ridership has continued to grow in popularity since its launch, with ridership increasing 35% from January 2024 to January 2025.

In a recent survey, according to the release, riders noted that the convenient and affordable transportation option helps members of all ages to achieve independence, flexibility and a high quality of life.

The city states the service is especially useful for students who utilize the service to travel to and from before and after school activities.

To book a ride, there's a mobile app. Also, riders can 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.

City minivans then take riders to anywhere within a limited Chandler service area. It's a shared ride service, so other passengers might be picked up and dropped off along the way.

Chandler Flex operates Monday through Fridays 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in a portion of south Chandler. The area is, roughly, south of Chandler Boulevard to Chandler Heights Road and from Price to McQueen roads. More information can be found at chandleraz.gov/Flex.

The goal of the program is to use technology to expand access to convenient, affordable, and sustainable transportation for residents and visitors to the city, the release states. 

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