Thousands of people will head to downtown Buffalo Thursday night to ring in the new year. Those celebrations typically involve drinking and one local company is offering free rides to party-goers who may find themselves too drunk to drive. For the eighth year in a row, Designated Drivers of Buffalo will shuttle inebriated party-goers back home safely. When a user calls, two drivers will arrive, one to transport them or their party and another to drive their vehicle home.
The service is free on a first call, first served basis from the hours of midnight to 4 a.m. for anyone calling from downtown. There is a cost for those who need a ride from somewhere else.
CEO Michael Mule says his drivers are trained, uniformed and ID'd, and have all passed thorough background checks. He encourages party-goers to have fun, but have a plan if they've had too much to drink.
"The message is go out, enjoy yourselves, but be responsible. There's other people on the road. Don't just think about yourself. Lots of tragedy can happen around the holidays," Mule told WBFO.
Mule says people tend to make excuses that lead to them driving when they have been drinking, such as concerns over parking tickets and vandalism.
Funding for the free service has been provided by the law offices of William Mattar. Designated Drivers of Buffalo recommends calling at least an hour ahead of time. The number is (716) 202-2222.
