(Photo by Alexandra Olgin - KJZZ)

The Uber smartphone application allows customers to connect with drivers in the area.

The Valley is receiving some praise for the availability of technology-enabled mass transit services like car sharing and virtual ticketing. 

A new survey puts the Phoenix area near the middle of major U.S. cities for smartphone-friendly transit programs.

The survey ranks metro Phoenix as 32^nd among 70 cities studied for mobile device services that make it easier to get around without owning a car. 

Diane Brown is with Arizona Public Interest Research whose national group released the study. 

She said it looks at how people use services like Uber, bike sharing, light rail and taxis.

“Having apps that allow individuals to know how to plan for their public transportation experience increases the likelihood that they will use public transportation,” Brown said.

Although the Valley doesn’t currently have access to all 11 technology-related transit services evaluated, Brown expected it will catch up soon. 

Austin, Texas ranks No. 1 in the study.