The city of Surprise took home the Excellence in Innovation Award at WESTMARC’s annual Best of the West Awards on Oct. 19 and was a finalist in the categories of Economic Engine and Quality of Life Enhancement.

The Excellence in Innovation award was presented to Surprise, Avondale and Goodyear for the new WeRIDE microtransit program operating in all three cities.

Surprise launched its WeRIDE program in April. The program provides on-demand shared rides to the community within a set service zone and operates like popular, private, on-demand services.

Trips can be booked through the WeRIDE app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, as well as by phone at 623-777-4330, or at surpriseaz.gov/WeRIDE.

Unlike traditional public transit stops, WeRIDE uses virtual pickup and dropoff locations that have been selected so riders in the service zone will only need to walk about five to 10 minutes or less to reach them. Virtual stops are located around neighborhoods at community mailboxes or parks, as well as shopping centers, medical facilities, recreational locations and community spaces.

The service pairs multiple passengers heading in the same direction in a single vehicle that fits up to five passengers. The regular adult fare is $2 per ride. Seniors over 60, students with a school ID, veterans and persons with a disability pay a reduced fare of $1 per ride.

To learn more about WeRIDE, visit werideaz.com

Mayor Skip Hall was also honored at the event. WESTMARC’s President’s Choice Award was presented to all West Valley mayors for their partnership and collaboration.

Surprise, along with developer Simon CRE, was named a finalist in the Economic Engine category for the new Village at Prasada retail and commercial development. Located off the Loop 303 and Waddell Road, Village at Prasada brings more than 700,000 square feet of shops, a restaurant row, and an entertainment district to Surprise. This is one of the largest power centers to be built on the West Coast in a decade.

To learn more about Village at Prasada, visit villageatprasada.com

The city’s adaptive recreation program was also named a finalist in the Quality of Life Enhancement category. Adaptive recreation provides individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities opportunities to participate in recreation and leisure programs.

Surprise strives to provide its adaptive recreation participants with modifications, skills and staff needed to improve fine and gross motor skills. The city placed an emphasis on learning, growing, socializing and having fun in community-based recreation programs and special events.

To learn about the city’s adaptive recreation program, visit surpriseaz.gov/AdaptiveRec

WESTMARC’s Best of the West Awards has been a signature event of the West Valley for over 30 years. The event is designed to celebrate the best of Western Maricopa County and recognize outstanding contributions to the quality of life, education, workforce development, economic development and innovation in the West Valley.

Learn about WESTMARC at WESTMARC.org.