The rider service area for the WeRIDE Surprise microtransit program will be expanding at the same time fares to use the service kick in.

The city announced that an additional mile section of the service area will be added from Bell Road to Greenway Road and from Reems Road to the Loop 303 on Friday, Sept. 1.

That’s also the day fares begin after a months-long promo period of free rides. Most riders will pay $2 per trip to and from the virtual pick-up and drop-off locations.

Seniors 60 and over, students with a valid school ID, veterans and people with disabilities can take a trip for $1.

The ride is free for childen 5 and under as long as they’re with a paying passenger who’s at least 16.

“The WeRIDE Surprise microtransit program has been embraced by residents as a great option for getting around parts of the city,” city officials wrote in a news release.

City officials said it will continue to grow its service area as demand for rides and locations grow.

Residents can use the on-demand shared service between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays. Currently there is no weekend service.

Using the WeRIDE app, riders can pay fares directly with a credit or debit card. Or drivers can be paid exact cash.

The WeRIDE app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Trips can also be booked by calling 623-777-4330 or by using the surpriseaz.gov/WeRIDE webpage.

The service is offered in Surprise in addition to Paratransit and RideChoice services, which Valley Metro provides for qualified seniors and people with disabilities.

WeRIDE’s virtual pick-up and drop-off locations are unlike traditional public transit stops. Riders zones have been pre-selected, meaning most riders will need to walk between five to 10 minutes to get to them.

Up to five passengers can fit in each vehicle. The service pairs up riders going to similar locations around neighborhoods at community mailboxes or parks, as well as shopping centers, medical facilities, recreational locations and community spaces.