TEXAS, USA — Cities across Texas have come up with free ride-share programs and services to help with the increase of drunk driving and incidents from last year.
The New Year's holiday always comes with its set of crashes and deaths due to drinking and driving.
Bosque
Bosque County Sherriff's Office says they will be participating in Operation Blue Taxi this year, according to their recent Facebook post.
Operation Blue Taxi, the Sherrif's Office states, is a program in which law enforcement takes a proactive approach to the hazards of intoxicated driving.
If you will be in the area for the holidays and are interested, the Facebook post says you can call (254) 435-2362.
"This service is being offered in order to make our county a safer place during a time that many parties are being held and large numbers of people will be celebrating. We ask (insist) that deputies be treated with respect and our rules are followed. It is not our desire to make arrests, but rather to end the night without injuries, death or criminal charges being filed on anyone," the post continued.
Bosque County won't be the only ones out on New Year's. The Texas Department of Public Safety will also be out continuing Operation CARE.
The nationwide operation, which stands for Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (CARE), runs from now until Jan. 2022. Around 2,200 Troopers will be out this year across Texas, according to TxDPS, looking for people who are speeding, not wearing their seat belts, or driving while intoxicated.
Waco
In order to avoid that hefty $15,000 fine that comes with drunk driving, Waco has also introduced its own version of services and a free rideshare program.
The Waco Transit System will be partnering up with Tow King, a towing service, for the holidays to offer free transportation between the hours of 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve to 3 a.m. on New Year's Day.
Although reservations are preferred, the city says same-day requests will also be available based on availability.
If you'd like to use the service, call 254-750-1620 to schedule your free ride. Tow King will also be offering free-vehicle tow services by calling 254-666-5484.
Whether you are going out for the holidays or spending time with family, please stay safe and follow all rules of the road. Drivers can find additional resources for getting a safe ride home, and about the consequences of a DWI, at soberrides.org.
Lampasas
Lampasas Police Department will also initiate their 'New Year's Eve Operation Blue Taxi', according to a Facebook post.
Lampasas officials said they will provide those in need a free ride home within the city limits of Lampasas nd added no cash or tips will be accepted.
They do warn that riders must behave or disorderly conduct or misbehavior could result in rerouting the trip to the county jail.
Passengers cannot sit in the front seat and all rides will be video and audio recorded, per Lampasas PD.
If you'd like to use the service, call (512) 556-3645.
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