Evesham expands free ride program to fight DUI
Date Posted:
Thu, Oct 15 2015,
Burlington County Times
EVESHAM — Township and police officials announced Thursday they are expanding a program that provides free rides from local drinking establishments to residents.
The Evesham Saving Lives initiative has enlisted national designated-driver companies BeMyDD and Uber to keep giving local bar and restaurant patrons an added alternative to driving impaired, at least until Jan. 2.
The effort — a partnership between the municipality, police force, Evesham Celebrations Foundation, Marlton Business Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, among others — began as a 30-day pilot program in September. The township provided free shuttles that made scheduled stops near nine local bars and restaurants and dropped off residents at home.
Sober Sam, another popular designated-driver company, also provided free rides to residents and to others at a discount rate under the program.
At a news conference Thursday announcing changes to Evesham Saving Lives, Mayor Randy Brown said the pilot effort had given safe rides to more than 350 people.
"We not only took 350 people home," Brown said. "We took 350 off the roads."
But officials wanted to do more. They eliminated the shuttles and enlisted Uber and BeMyDD, while extending the number of bars and restaurants involved to 19.
And although Sober Sam no longer is participating, the other two companies will provide rides. The township will pay for rides to homes in Evesham, for requests made between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Riders to homes outside Evesham will be charged.
BeMyDD can provide rides for patrons and pick up their vehicles so they don't have to leave them in bar and restaurant parking lots. The municipality will pay for both services for its residents.
Brown said the effort comes at no cost to taxpayers. An anonymous donor has agreed to cover the expense, he said.
Local businesses and other donors also have contributed, he said. And Evesham Mortgage presented a $2,500 check to the program at the news conference.
The mayor said Evesham Saving Lives will continue to be free to residents as long as money is still available through donors and other sources. Contributions including state grants had fueled the initial pilot.
Anyone who needs a ride from one of the establishments involved can arrange one through the Police Department's smartphone app, available on Google Play and iTunes.
Just click on "Safe Ride," and you can go to the website for either Uber or BeMyDD, and schedule a pickup.
It makes for an easy solution — and a message — for those who find that maybe they shouldn't drive at the end of a night out.
"We're making it real simple for you," Brown said. "You open a phone, push a button, and we'll come get you."
Ana Mahony, general manager for Uber New Jersey, said the effort could set an example nationwide.
"We're incredibly excited about this partnership and hope it serves as a model for communities across the country," Mahony said.
"This is a first-of-its-kind partnership in which local government is fully funding a ride home for residents after enjoying a night out."
The establishments involved in the free pickups are Bertucci's, Bonefish Grill, Brio Tuscan Grille, Carrabbas Italian Grill, Casa Carollo Bar & Grill, Champps Kitchen and Bar, Estia Greek Taverna, Evesham Memorial VFW Post, Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Links Country Club, Little Mill Country Club, Marco's Restaurant, Marlton Elks Lodge, Marlton Tavern, Mexican Food Factory, Mikado, Outback Steakhouse, PF Chang's, Redstone American Grill, Scaturro's and TGI Fridays.
The Evesham Saving Lives initiative has enlisted national designated-driver companies BeMyDD and Uber to keep giving local bar and restaurant patrons an added alternative to driving impaired, at least until Jan. 2.
The effort — a partnership between the municipality, police force, Evesham Celebrations Foundation, Marlton Business Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, among others — began as a 30-day pilot program in September. The township provided free shuttles that made scheduled stops near nine local bars and restaurants and dropped off residents at home.
Sober Sam, another popular designated-driver company, also provided free rides to residents and to others at a discount rate under the program.
At a news conference Thursday announcing changes to Evesham Saving Lives, Mayor Randy Brown said the pilot effort had given safe rides to more than 350 people.
"We not only took 350 people home," Brown said. "We took 350 off the roads."
But officials wanted to do more. They eliminated the shuttles and enlisted Uber and BeMyDD, while extending the number of bars and restaurants involved to 19.
And although Sober Sam no longer is participating, the other two companies will provide rides. The township will pay for rides to homes in Evesham, for requests made between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Riders to homes outside Evesham will be charged.
BeMyDD can provide rides for patrons and pick up their vehicles so they don't have to leave them in bar and restaurant parking lots. The municipality will pay for both services for its residents.
Brown said the effort comes at no cost to taxpayers. An anonymous donor has agreed to cover the expense, he said.
Local businesses and other donors also have contributed, he said. And Evesham Mortgage presented a $2,500 check to the program at the news conference.
The mayor said Evesham Saving Lives will continue to be free to residents as long as money is still available through donors and other sources. Contributions including state grants had fueled the initial pilot.
Anyone who needs a ride from one of the establishments involved can arrange one through the Police Department's smartphone app, available on Google Play and iTunes.
Just click on "Safe Ride," and you can go to the website for either Uber or BeMyDD, and schedule a pickup.
It makes for an easy solution — and a message — for those who find that maybe they shouldn't drive at the end of a night out.
"We're making it real simple for you," Brown said. "You open a phone, push a button, and we'll come get you."
Ana Mahony, general manager for Uber New Jersey, said the effort could set an example nationwide.
"We're incredibly excited about this partnership and hope it serves as a model for communities across the country," Mahony said.
"This is a first-of-its-kind partnership in which local government is fully funding a ride home for residents after enjoying a night out."
The establishments involved in the free pickups are Bertucci's, Bonefish Grill, Brio Tuscan Grille, Carrabbas Italian Grill, Casa Carollo Bar & Grill, Champps Kitchen and Bar, Estia Greek Taverna, Evesham Memorial VFW Post, Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Links Country Club, Little Mill Country Club, Marco's Restaurant, Marlton Elks Lodge, Marlton Tavern, Mexican Food Factory, Mikado, Outback Steakhouse, PF Chang's, Redstone American Grill, Scaturro's and TGI Fridays.