Peoria residents now have a new transit option with the launch of WeRIDE, an on-demand rideshare pilot program that began operations yesterday. WeRIDE is designed to provide convenient access to key destinations within the area by connecting passengers from nearby community spaces and central neighborhoods to shopping centers and other local attractions, according to the City of Peoria's announcement.
The service vaguely resembles a modern-day minibus with ADA-compliant vehicles that can seat between four to eight passengers. Featuring bike racks on all vehicles, it makes a concerted effort to cater to a wide demographic. Inadvertently, accommodating young children was taken into account, requiring those 4 years and under to be secured in a child safety seat, and those between 5-7 years or under 57 inches tall to use booster seats. These are details gleaned from the official WeRIDE brochure.
At a cost of $2 per adult ride, the fare structure of WeRIDE offers reduced rates for seniors over 60, veterans, disabled persons, and students – all of whom are charged only $1 per ride. The spirit of inclusion echoes with the rule that children aged 5 and under can avail of the service for free, as long as they are accompanied by a fare-paying individual aged 16 or above. Payment options are flexible; riders can choose to pay via the app with credit/debit cards or hand exact cash to the drivers, bearing in mind that drivers cannot issue change. This information was outlined on the City of Peoria's website.
Testing in a controlled environment, the program is currently limited to a certain section of Peoria, with a view to examine its viability and efficiency ahead of a larger scale rollout. For those who are interested, Peoria has released a service zone map, and in addition to the versatility of a digital brochure, assistance is made available through the WeRIDE app, downloadable from the Apple App Store and Google Play, or through a helpline and the dedicated website, WeRIDEAZ.com.
