Phoenix, Lexington Launch On-Demand Transit Pilots

Phoenix launched PHXLink, a three-year on-demand shared-van pilot in designated north, west and south zones, operating daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and connecting residents with transit centers, light rail and RAPID routes. Rides cost $2 and can be booked by app, online or phone; riders typically walk to a nearby virtual stop, while ADA-certified passengers can pay $1 and request door-to-door service, and children 5 and younger ride free. Each Phoenix zone has five vans, including an accessible vehicle; supported by a federal Congestion Relief Grant and the city’s Transportation 2050 program, the pilot will use ridership data to identify transit gaps and guide future planning. Lexington also launched the 12-month, city-funded Lextran Connect pilot, developed with Via, serving northwest Lexington with four vans from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for $3 per ride. Lextran Connect bookings are made through an app, and riders can transfer to existing bus routes without an additional fare; the service aims to improve access to jobs, health care and other destinations.