What You’ll Spend on Transit in Gilbert
Do you really need a car to get around Gilbert, AZ? With rising gas prices and parking hassles, many residents are taking a closer look at public transportation costs in Gilbert. While it’s a smaller city, you may be surprised at the transit options available. A 30-day bus pass in Gilbert typically costs $64 as of 2025, making it an affordable alternative to driving for many commuters.
The average one-way fare for local buses and light rail in the Gilbert area is $2.00. If you’re riding frequently, investing in a daily, weekly, or monthly pass can provide substantial savings. Reduced fares are also available for youth, seniors, Medicare cardholders, and people with disabilities.
Of course, your total monthly transit costs will depend on how often you ride and which modes you use. Let’s break down the options and crunch some numbers to see if public transportation makes financial sense for your Gilbert lifestyle.
Transit Options Available
Gilbert’s public transportation is operated by Valley Metro, which serves the greater Phoenix metro area. While Gilbert itself is a smaller suburb, it’s reasonably well-connected by transit. Here are the main modes available:
- Local and express buses with service to major employment centers, shopping districts, and schools
- Light rail connecting to Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix
- Paratransit for seniors and riders with disabilities
- Vanpools for commuters
The Valley Metro Rail is a 28-mile light rail line serving Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. While it doesn’t directly enter Gilbert, you can connect to the rail via bus. Local routes 108, 136, 140, and 156 all provide frequent service to light rail stations.
Commuter express buses are also available along major corridors like AZ-202 during peak hours. These provide a quicker ride to major employment hubs compared to local bus routes that make more stops.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
To visualize your potential monthly transit costs in Gilbert, let’s look at a few common commuting scenarios:
| Commuter Type | Sample Month | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5-day a week office worker | 22 commuting days | $64 monthly pass |
| Part-time student | 16 campus trips | $32 at $2/ride |
| Weekend local explorer | 8 weekend days out | $16 at $2/ride |
| All-purpose daily rider | 40 trips across town | $64 monthly pass |
🏆 Winner: For most daily commuters and frequent riders, a $64 monthly pass provides the best value. If you’re only riding a few times per week, paying the $2.00 one-way fare as you go may be more economical than a pass.
Is Public Transit Worth It in Gilbert?
Rising gas prices and environmental concerns have many Gilbert residents reconsidering car ownership. The average commute time by bus in Gilbert is 35 minutes. While that’s longer than driving yourself, you avoid the stress of traffic and can use the time to read, work, or simply relax.
Parking is also a factor. Downtown Gilbert and Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus both have limited and pricey parking. Taking the bus or light rail lets you skip parking fees and circling the lot for a spot.
Of course, public transit has its tradeoffs. Service is less frequent outside of peak commuting hours. And for some trips, you may need to transfer between buses or walk a few blocks from the stop. However, if you live and work near major transit corridors, the cost savings over car ownership can be substantial.
Ways to Save on Transit
Valley Metro offers several discounted fare programs for Gilbert riders:
- Seniors 65+, youth ages 6-18, and people with disabilities pay a reduced fare of $1.00 per ride or $32 for a monthly pass
- Medicare cardholders ride for $1.00 per trip with valid ID
- Low-income riders may qualify for a 50% reduced fare through the Valley Metro Reduced Fare program
Some Gilbert employers also offer subsidized transit passes or pre-tax commuter benefits to help offset the cost of riding. Check with your company’s HR department to see if you can pay for transit with pre-tax dollars.
Buying passes in bulk can also yield savings. Valley Metro offers 3-day and 7-day passes at a discount over single-ride prices. If you’re a frequent rider, see if your school or employer partners with Valley Metro to offer semester or annual passes at a group rate.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get around Gilbert?
Walking and biking are the most affordable ways to get around Gilbert, especially for shorter trips. For longer journeys, Valley Metro buses and light rail offer the lowest cost per trip at $2.00 one-way.
Are there monthly transit passes in Gilbert?
Yes, Valley Metro offers a 30-day pass for $64 that is valid on all regular bus routes and light rail. Reduced fare monthly passes are available for $32 for seniors, youth, and riders with disabilities.
Is public transit reliable for work commutes?
Valley Metro prides itself on operating reliable, on-time service. Express commuter routes along major corridors like AZ-202 are especially convenient for 9-to-5 office schedules. However, for off-peak hours and less popular routes, service may be less frequent.
How much is a single ride on Gilbert buses?
A one-way fare on all Valley Metro local bus routes and light rail is $2.00 per ride. Reduced fares of $1.00 are available for seniors 65+, youth ages 6-18, ADA-certified people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders.
What are the peak commuting hours for transit in Gilbert?
Weekday mornings from 6am-9am and afternoons from 3pm-6pm are the busiest times for transit in Gilbert. If you commute during peak hours, you’ll benefit from the most frequent service on express routes and light rail.
Getting Around Smarter in Gilbert
As Gilbert grows, so do the public transit options to help you get around town affordably and efficiently. For many residents, trading a car payment, insurance, and parking hassles for a $64 monthly transit pass is a smart financial move. Even if you don’t ditch driving entirely, using transit a few times a week can help reduce your overall transportation costs.
Of course, the best way to commute depends on your unique schedule, budget, and lifestyle. Weigh the tradeoffs of cost vs. convenience to see if riding transit makes sense for you. To explore more ways to trim your transportation spending, check out these monthly budget examples for Gilbert residents.