Casa Grande residents gained access to expanded transit service today as CG Link launched Phase 4 of its five-year plan. The on-demand microtransit service now reaches neighborhoods north of Cottonwood Lane to Kortsen Road. It also serves a new pocket of senior communities along North Trekell Road.
The City Council unanimously approved the CG Link transit expansion on January 5, 2026. Service began Monday, January 12, 2026.
New Destinations Now Within Reach
Riders can now reach dozens of new stops, including:
- Mail and errands: U.S. Post Office, Dollar General, Dino Mart, and the strip mall at Trekell and Kortsen
- Healthcare: Various medical and dental offices
- Recreation: Rotary Park, Frank Pratt Park, and Burruss Park
- Education: Cholla Elementary and Cactus Middle School
- Housing: Courtyard, Agave, O’Neil, Avenida, and Cottonwood Ranch apartments
The North Trekell Road extension reaches several 55-plus communities that had requested service. These include Rancho Val Vista, Rancho Del Sol RV Park, Casa Verde Estates, and Encore Casita Verde.
A fourth bus joined the fleet to handle the larger coverage area.
Ridership Continues to Climb
The service has delivered over 76,600 one-way trips since launching in October 2023. In its first full fiscal year, CG Link provided 35,493 trips. The current year is on pace to exceed that with approximately 37,000 trips.
According to city data presented at the January 5 meeting, riders rated the service 4.86 out of 5 stars on average. On-time pickup performance reached 99 percent.
Funding Shift Brings Local Costs
The city launched CG Link using $2.5 million in federal CARES Act funds requiring no local match. However, that funding runs out in March 2026.
Beginning in March, the city transitions to federal formula funding covering 50 percent of operating costs. Local costs are estimated at $153,508 from March through June, after CARES funds are exhausted. For fiscal year 2027, the city projects $582,000 in local expenses out of $1.2 million total.
Fare revenue will offset some costs. Staff estimates $60,000 in collections based on 40,000 projected trips at $1.50 each.
Booking a Ride
CG Link operates Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Riders can book trips by phone, computer, or smartphone app. The system provides curb-to-curb service, picking up and dropping off passengers at locations throughout the service area.
Residents can call (520) 509-6900 or visit CasaGrandeLINK.com.
