Senior Transportation in Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert

Senior transportation in Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert runs mostly through Valley Metro: ADA paratransit (Dial-a-Ride) and RideChoice. Valley Metro lists Chandler RideChoice as open to residents 65 and older, while Mesa and Gilbert require ADA paratransit certification. Nonprofits such as Aster Aging's Neighbors Program add rides to the doctor and grocery store.

See 55+ communities in Mesa and Gilbert Call Terry: 602-483-4665

Why I keep this list handy

I am a REALTOR, not a transit planner. Still, buyers moving to an East Valley 55+ community often ask how they will get around if they stop driving, or how a spouse will get to appointments. I point them to the official programs below and keep the home search on its own track. For the West Valley version of this page, see senior transportation in Sun City AZ.

One thing surprises people: the rules are set city by city. A RideChoice rule that applies in Chandler does not carry over to Mesa or Gilbert, even though the three cities sit side by side.

Valley Metro ADA paratransit (Dial-a-Ride)

Valley Metro ADA Paratransit is for people whose disability prevents or limits them from using regular bus or light rail. It is shared-ride, door-to-door or curb-to-curb service within 3/4 mile of bus and light rail routes. Valley Metro runs local service in seven areas, including the East Valley, and provides regional trips between them.

Eligibility is based on disability and the ability to use fixed-route service, not on age. Here is how Valley Metro's eligibility page describes the steps:

• Request the free application from the Mobility Center at 602-716-2100, apply online, or download a fillable or large-print PDF.
• Call 602-716-2100 to book an in-person assessment. Assessments are held on non-holiday weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Mobility Center, 4600 E. Washington St., Phoenix.
• Bring the completed application, a government-issued photo ID, and any medical documentation or mobility devices you use outside the home.
• Maricopa County residents can ask for free door-to-door transportation to the assessment.
• Valley Metro has up to 21 calendar days after the assessment to decide, and it notifies you in writing.

Once certified, East Valley riders schedule trips at 602-716-2200. The City of Chandler transit page lists paratransit service Monday through Sunday, 4 a.m. to 1 a.m. Gilbert's transportation page says that in Gilbert the service is only available to riders with an ADA certified disability.

RideChoice, and why the city matters

Valley Metro RideChoice lets eligible riders use providers such as Lyft, local taxicabs and other wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Rides can be requested at any time without booking ahead, and the booking line, 602-716-2111, is open 24 hours a day, every day.

Valley Metro lists who can enroll, by city of residence:

• Chandler: ADA paratransit certified people with disabilities and seniors age 65 and above.
• Mesa: ADA paratransit certified people with disabilities.
• Gilbert: ADA paratransit certified people with disabilities.

So in Mesa and Gilbert, age alone does not qualify you; you need ADA certification first. One caution for Chandler: the City of Chandler transit page describes RideChoice only for ADA paratransit certified riders, while Valley Metro's RideChoice page includes Chandler seniors 65 and older. Ask the Mobility Center which rule applies to your address before you count on it.

To request a RideChoice application, Valley Metro says to call the Mobility Center at 602-716-2100 (option 2, then option 1), or TTY 602-251-2039.

City by city

Mesa. The City of Mesa public transit page says Mesa's transit services are provided through an agreement with Valley Metro, and it links to East Valley RideChoice, ADA paratransit eligibility and East Valley Paratransit. Mesa Transit Services is at 480-644-2160, Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chandler. Besides paratransit and RideChoice, Chandler runs Chandler Flex, an on-demand shared-ride service in southwest Chandler. You book in the app or, without a smartphone, by phone at 602-932-0291. It runs Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with no service on several major holidays. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available on request, and that setting also turns on door-to-door service. The city lists a senior rate for riders 65 and older; check the city page for details. Chandler Transit is at 480-782-3440.

Gilbert. The Town of Gilbert transportation page lists Dial-a-Ride and RideChoice for ADA certified riders, with questions to 602-716-2100 or ridechoice@valleymetro.org. The page does not describe an age-based senior ride program.

Nonprofit and volunteer ride programs

Aster Aging Neighbors Program. Aster Aging, based in Mesa, says its Neighbors Program helps seniors in Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert stay independent at home. Services include essential transportation (rides to the doctor, pharmacy and grocery store), companionship visits and telephone support. Start with the online form, or call the program coordinator at 480-629-5502. Aster Aging's main line is 480-964-9014.

Neighbors Who Care. This nonprofit serves seniors who cannot drive or are homebound in Sun Lakes and South Chandler, according to Arizona PBS. Volunteers drive clients to medical appointments and grocery trips. Contact Neighbors Who Care at 480-895-7133 and ask whether your address is in its service area.

Volunteer programs depend on volunteers, so ask each one about enrollment, how far ahead to request a ride, whether a caregiver can ride along and which trips they cover. If you would rather be the driver, see volunteer opportunities in Mesa for seniors.

For broader help, the Area Agency on Aging, Region One runs a 24-hour Senior HELP Line at 602-264-4357, toll free 888-783-7500. My East Valley senior services guide covers more of what is available locally.

How this ties to a home search

When getting around without a car matters, I suggest checking a few things before you settle on a home:

• Which city the address is in, since RideChoice eligibility follows your city of residence.
• Whether the home is within 3/4 mile of a bus or light rail route, since that sets the ADA paratransit service area. Valley Metro can confirm.
• For southwest Chandler, whether the address falls inside the Chandler Flex zone on the city map.
• Whether the community itself runs a shuttle. Ask the HOA or the community office.

In age-restricted (55+) communities, the age rules are in the CC&Rs. Living in one does not enroll you in RideChoice or paratransit. To compare communities, start with 55+ communities in Mesa and Gilbert, the Arizona 55+ living hub or the 55+ community finder. For places worth a ride, see senior fitness classes in Mesa and Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert libraries for seniors.

Questions people ask

Can seniors use RideChoice in Mesa or Gilbert without a disability?
Valley Metro lists RideChoice in Mesa and Gilbert for ADA paratransit certified people with disabilities only. Age alone does not qualify.

Is RideChoice open to Chandler seniors 65 and older?
Valley Metro's RideChoice page says yes, but the City of Chandler transit page describes it for ADA certified riders. Call the Mobility Center at 602-716-2100 to confirm for your address.

How do I apply for ADA paratransit?
Request the free application from the Valley Metro Mobility Center at 602-716-2100 or apply online, then book an in-person assessment at 4600 E. Washington St., Phoenix.

Are there volunteer drivers in the East Valley?
Yes. Aster Aging's Neighbors Program lists rides for seniors in Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert, and Neighbors Who Care serves Sun Lakes and South Chandler. Call each to ask about enrollment.

Do you list fares?
No. Fares and trip rules change, so get them from Valley Metro, the city or the program.