Crossword Genius

Taken on for a crazy ride to Southend (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hired

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'taken on' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'crazy ride to southend' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
an anagram of 'ride' is 'ired' which is located in the answer.
A single letter 'h' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'for a' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hired that I've seen before include "Employed or engaged" , "Engaged for wages" , "Rented out" , "Paid to work" , "Taken into service" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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