Planning to have a few drinks to ring in the New Year? Then, let someone else do the driving. Here are several programs and services for safe travel in South Jersey on New Year’s Eve.
Patco
This New Year’s Eve, leave your keys at home and grab a train if you’re heading out near a PATCO station. The Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO announced that Hi-Speedline rail rides will be free for passengers from 8 pm on New Year’s Eve until 4 am on New Year’s Day.
For New Year’s Eve train schedules, visit the PATCO website.
Uber
The Voorhees/Evesham Saving Lives program is a joint venture between Voorhees and Evesham Townships providing free rides home via Uber from participating establishments to residents of either municipality. Residents simply open the Uber app at one of the participating restaurants/bars and will see a “safe ride” option at the bottom of the screen. The program is available seven days a week from 9 pm to 2 am.
Your pick up and drop off address must have an Evesham or Voorhees address in order to get this free service. For more information, visit here.
Saferide App
The Saferide App was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to keep drunk drivers off the road by allowing them to call a local taxi or pre-programmed friend and also helps identify their current location. The app offers a simple interface, making it easy for people who have had a few too many drinks to use. The app is available on Google Play for Android devices, and Apple’s iTunes store for iOS devices.
Lyft
A new nonprofit, Medford Saving Lives, has worked out a special deal with Lyft for Medford residents who have been drinking and feel unsafe to drive home. The free rides will be available through May 1 from 17 Medford bars and restaurants. Between 7 pm and 2 am, residents can order a Lyft to their home address, and if it’s within the Medford area, riders will be prompted to use the code “MS Lives.” Users will get a ride for free (up to $15). For more information, visit here.
Sober Sam
This designated driver service covers Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties. With this service, two people come to scoop you from your location, One person will drive you home, and the other will drive your car home too. The service has been in operation since 2009 and is available 24/7. For more information, visit sobersam.com or call 856-520-5679.
