The City of Chandler partners with…

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Chandler residents will soon see Waymo's autonomous vehicles (AVs) as part of their daily public transit options. Beginning Sept. 18, Waymo's AVs will join forces with Chandler Flex, the city's popular microtransit service powered and operated by Via, a leading provider of technology to power public transit networks.

The initiative is designed to expand Chandler Flex's capacity as demand for the service continues to grow. During periods of high demand, some Chandler Flex trips may be matched with a Waymo autonomous vehicle as opposed to a Chandler Flex vehicle. If a rider is offered a Waymo AV ride, they will have the choice to book their trip through the Waymo app. Riders who do not already have a Waymo account will be prompted to do so.

The partnership marks the first time Waymo's AVs will be incorporated directly into a U.S. public transit network, underscoring Chandler's ongoing commitment to innovation. Chandler Flex is an on-demand transit service that launched in June 2022 as a part of the public transit network, with the goal of providing residents with an affordable, easy connection to jobs, schools, healthcare and other essential destinations across Chandler.

Available Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., the program allows anyone to book a ride for just $2 per trip. For a limited time, Chandler Flex rides through Waymo will be just $1.

How to ride with Chandler Flex:

• Download the app: Search for Chandler Flex in the App Store or Google Play.
• Book a ride: Enter your pickup and drop-off, and you'll be matched with a driver-or now, occasionally, a Waymo AV. Those matched with a Waymo AV will be directed to the Waymo app, where they will have the option to proceed with booking a ride based on their pickup and drop-off locations.
• Meet your vehicle: Head to your assigned "virtual bus stop," which is usually just a short walk away.
• Riders without smartphones can book a ride by calling 602-932-0291.

"Chandler has always been a hub for innovation, and we're proud to be the first city to bring Waymo's AVs into our public transit network," said Mayor Kevin Hartke. "Chandler Flex has already provided nearly 120,000 rides to residents, and extending our partnership with Via and Waymo ensures we continue to expand mobility options and lead with forward-looking solutions for our community."

"Our long-term partnership with Chandler has already shown how technology strengthens public transit," said Michael Vaccarino, Chief Revenue Officer, Via. "Working closely with governments is core to what we do, and the collaboration with Waymo now offers innovative municipalities a chance to incorporate AVs as part of a reliable and accessible service."

"Waymo is committed to making roads safer and expanding access to mobility. Our partnership with Via enables us to contribute to a shared transportation program that is already helping Arizonans travel more conveniently and affordably," said Annabel Chang, Waymo's Director of U.S. State & Local Public Policy. "We're looking forward to bringing Waymo's convenient, consistent, safe, and magical ride-hailing service to Via users."

Please visit Chandler Flex for more information.

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About Via
Via is the technology backbone of a modern transportation network. We transform public transportation systems into dynamic networks based on data and demand. Cities and transit agencies around the world adopt Via's suite of software and technology-enabled services to replace fragmented legacy systems and consolidate operations. As a result, Via lowers the cost of providing transit, improves the passenger experience, and brings more riders on board. Today, the Via platform is utilized by hundreds of cities across more than 30 countries to create public transportation systems that connect people with jobs, healthcare, and education.

Media contact:
Betsy Lizer
Public Information Officer, City of Chandler
480-782-2225