Anyone who may have a little too much champagne while ushering in the New Year can call for a free ride thanks to a collaborated effort by Sheriff Criag Apple, the law firm of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, UBER, LYFT, CDTA and DeCrescente Distributors.
Since The Albany County STOP-DWI Program has organized the Safe Ride Initiative in 1982, there has not been an alcohol related fatality in Albany County on New Year’s Eve.
This year there are more options. The details of the New Year’s Eve “Safe Ride Program” are as follows:
- Martin, Harding, & Mazzotti and will provide revelers rides home, free of charge, to individuals who have consumed alcohol and should not operate a motor vehicle. The program will be available in Albany County beginning at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and end at 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Download the free “MHM Safe Ride” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to request your free taxi ride home.
- The Capital District Transportation Authority will offer free bus service on New Year’s Eve beginning at 8 p.m. through the end of the transit day. On New Year’s Day, bus service at all regular bus stops will be free to the public.
- Decresente Distributing would cover the first $10 of the first 25 UBER customers on New Year’s Eve. This promotion will run from 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 4 a.m. New Year’s Day. Check out the company’s Instagram page @decresecentedistributingco for information. It cover riders celebrating within a five-mile radius from one of the following locations:
-Rivers Casino & Resort, Schenectady
-The Desmond Hotel, Albany
-Lionheart Pub (Madison Ave.), Albany
-Saratoga Casino Hotel, Saratoga
-The Saratoga City Tavern (Caroline Street), Saratoga
-Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (River Street), Troy
- UBER and Lyft have also pledged to have added service to Albany County and new users are encouraged to explore those companies’ apps for potential savings.
“Having a plan before you head out to celebrate will help ensure getting home safely,” Apple said in a statement. “With all the options to get a sober ride home, there is no reason that anyone should be driving impaired.”
