1. Service Area Generally, the current service area is generally between Ray Rd./ Chandler Blvd. on the north, Price Rd. on the west, McQueen Rd. on the east, and Chandler Heights Rd. on the south, with extensions to capture activity centers. Figure 2 shows a map of the current service area. Additionally, the City is considering expanding this service area slightly some time before July 1, 2025. Regardless of the initial service area, the contractor must have the ability to expand or condense the service area upon request from the city. Service area changes must be able to be implemented in less than two months and with no additional setup fees charged to the city. 2. Service Design The service will be operated as a turnkey, “transportation as a service” model of microtransit within the service area. The Contractor will provide all personnel, equipment and facilities necessary to provide a successful service. The service is meant to expand transit options for this area, provide transportation service to students participating in before and after-school activities, and provide connections to the regional bus network. 3. Fleet The Contractor will provide all vehicles necessary for service. Vehicles may be leased or owned by the Contractor. All service vehicles will be wrapped with Chandler Flex Transit branding to clearly distinguish service vehicles from other vans on the roadway. The city will provide the design for the wrap, but the Contractor will be responsible for having vehicle wrapped and keeping the wrap in good condition. Vehicles will be in new or like-new condition when the service launches. a. Fleet Size The Contractor will provide a minimum fleet size of eight vehicles unless offeror can demonstrate a proven strategy of subcontracting to rideshare providers to reduce strain on the fleet during peak hours. Five to seven vehicles (depending on effectiveness of subcontractors) will be in operation during peak p.m. hours when Chandler Unified School District is in session, with two spares. Fewer vehicles will be needed during off-peak hours and when Chandler Unified School District is not in session (summer, fall, winter, and spring breaks). Additional vehicles may be required to meet increased service demand or expansion. b. Vehicle Size Medium-sized passenger vans or minivans are preferred over cutaways to provide necessary capacity and adequate seating space without an oversized vehicle. A mixed fleet incorporating different vehicle types and sizes is acceptable. Minivans can make the entire fleet if it can result in a demonstrated cost savings and/ or operating efficiency, without sacrificing service quality. c. Seating Capacity Passenger vans must seat at least six passengers in addition to driver. Minivans must seat at least four ambulatory passengers or one wheelchair passenger and two ambulatory passengers. Adequate spacing and comfortable seating should be provided to enhance the passenger experience. d. Flashing Lights Vehicles should have highly-visible flashing lights mounted atop the vehicle to allow for safe stopping on streets to perform pickups and drop-offs. Drivers will be trained to turn lights on while stopping and while stopped on streets, and turn lights off while driving. e. Wheelchair Accessibility Three or more vehicles will be wheelchair accessible. f. Electric Fleet If available by start date, hybrid or electric vehicles, though not required, are preferred as long as service quality is not negatively impacted and the budget can still be met. Converting to electric fleet may be explored for extension terms. The Chandler Park and Ride has two chargers that can be used to charge electric vehicles. Diesel engine vehicles are not acceptable. g. Bike Racks Bike racks are encouraged but not required on at least part of the fleet. h. Maintenance The Contractor is responsible for maintaining all vehicles in a good state of repair, with regular cleanings and all maintenance to be managed by the Contractor. i. Fueling The Contractor is responsible for fueling vehicles and for paying the cost of fuel.
