City to weigh future of WeRIDE, other transit programs

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

The Goodyear City Council will hear an update on the city’s transit services, including ridership, costs and the future of its WeRIDE microtransit system.

The presentation, part of the Engineering Department’s FY2026 Strategic Plan action item, is designed to evaluate funding and service levels for all transit options in Goodyear, according to city documents. While the update carries no immediate fiscal impact, it could help guide future budget decisions.

Goodyear’s transit network includes fixed-route buses, paratransit and the on-demand WeRIDE program. Currently, Route 17 serves McDowell Road, Route 3 runs along Van Buren Street, and express Route 562 provides weekday commuter service from the city’s park-and-ride to downtown Phoenix. Paratransit options include Dial-a-Ride and RideChoice, both operated by Valley Metro, which provide curb-to-curb service for riders with disabilities.

WeRIDE, launched under a five-year contract now in its fourth year, offers weekday on-demand rides within a 17-square-mile zone that connects neighborhoods to shopping centers, community spaces and recreation facilities. Fares are $2 for the general public and $1 for seniors, veterans, students and children 12 and younger.

City staff say customer feedback on WeRIDE has been positive. A 2024 passenger survey found that 53% of users rely on the service because they do not own or have limited access to a personal vehicle, and 84% said without WeRIDE they would need to use a private rideshare such as Uber, Lyft or a taxi.

As the city nears the end of its contract with operators of WeRIDE in June 2027, Goodyear and Avondale staff are discussing whether Valley Metro could take over the service at a reduced cost. Staff expect more information by spring 2026.

The council will also receive an overview of how the city funds transit, which draws from regional transportation sales taxes, federal grants, city general fund dollars and advertising revenue. In FY2026, estimated city costs include $60,331 for Dial-a-Ride, $321,028 for RideChoice and more than $1.6 million for WeRIDE operations.

The work session will begin 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8 at 1900 N. Civic Square in Goodyear City Hall. 

Visit goodyearaz.gov for more information.