5 Transportation Ideas for New Year’s Eve

Image by joka2000 (via Flickr)

Image by joka2000 (via Flickr)

Well it’s that time of year again…it’s New Year’s Eve! The end of one year and the beginning of a new (hopefully even better) year. On this last day of the year, I wanted to provide you with some transportation ideas in case you are planning on ringing in the New Year away from home. Therefore, here are some ideas that could help you have both a great evening and get home safely at the end of the night:

1) AAA Auto Club is again offering their “Tipsy Tow” service in Southern California.  I’m sure they are offering similar services across the U.S. so if you want to take advantage of this service, please inquire with your local auto club.  The So Cal service begins at 6pm today and goes until 11:59pm on Friday, Jan 1st 2010.  They will tow your car home, as long as you live within 7 miles of your pickup location. Just call 1-800-400-4AAA and say “I need a tipsy tow” and they will come get you.  Note: There are restrictions to this service, so know before you go.

2) Some cities have cab service that is just a text away.  For example, GoFastCab offers service in San Diego CA, Los Angeles CA, San Jose/Silicon Valley CA, Orange County CA, Chicago IL, Phoenix and Tuscon AZ, Nashville TN and Charlotte NC.  You just text them with your complete pick-up address and within seconds you receive a text confirmation letting you know a local cab in on the way.  Seriously, how simple is that?! Just remember to put their number in your phone so you can text when you need to be picked up.

3) Many forms of public transportation have extended hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day so that you can enjoy the convenience of public transportation and not have to hassle with the holiday traffic on the freeways and roads.  The BART in San Francisco is extending their normal service until 3am.  The MTA in Los Angeles is offering 24-hour service, with Metro buses and trains running every 20 min from 9pm tonight until 5am tomorrow – New Year’s Day. Additionally, service will be free between 9pm New Year’s Eve and 2am New Year’s Day.  So be smart and check your local public transportation for their New Year’s Eve schedule.

4) Hire a designated driver service. It’s a little different than taking a cab or public transportation in that you actually drive to the party in your own car, then your “designated driver” comes and picks you up when you are ready to go home and drives you home in your own car. One creative company, YdriveLA, actually has their drivers arrive on folding scooters. The driver then puts the folding scooter in the trunk of your car and drives you home.

5) Last but not least is one of the simplest ideas of all, designate a friend or member of your group as the designated driver. I’m usually the designated driver when I go out with friends or family and I actually don’t mind at all. I have a good time, my friends have a good time and we can all get home safely.

So, plan your transportation needs ahead of time, don’t forget to make your New Year’s resolutions and have a safe, happy New Year’s Eve – see you in the new year!

5 Comments

  • Stephanie

    There are so many tragedies that could be avoided if people just planned ahead and made better decisions about transportation over the holidays. I love the idea of hiring the designated driver. Showing up on a scooter and then driving you home – ingenious!

    When you add inclement weather into the mix (its snowing here in my hometown), even a single drink warrants use of a cab or other service, IMHO

    Have a safe and Happy New Year!

    • Tara

      Thanks Steph – I totally agree! And it’s definitely something that needs to be planned ahead as once someone has had a few drinks in them, they don’t always think straight on the subject.

      I know, that scooter one was one of my favorites. Such a simple, but great idea!

      Have a very safe and wonderful New Year too!!

  • LoveEarthAlways.com

    The majority of people who get in accidents are under the influence. Unfortunately in rural places public transportation is not realistic and the automobile is the only way around. Too many people still use recreational substances and then get behind the wheel. Unfortunately until they are involved in their own horror story, they will not get the picture. It sure is good to see some of the possible alternatives available out there.

    • Tara

      Very good point! I guess that’s where the designate a friend to drive definitely comes in handy. Hopefully those people will be smart enough to ask a friend (or a friend will offer) so they can all have a safe and enjoyable evening.

      Happy New Year!

  • Hirt

    thank you for sharing that, it was very informative!

Post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *