Companies, police department offering free rides on New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular drinking holidays. To keep celebrators safe, multiple groups are offering free or discounted rides home this holiday.

Major Brands, a Missouri-based alcohol distribution company, is partnering with Lyft for the first time to offer a $30 credit to be used from 4 p.m. New Year’s Eve to 4 a.m. New Year’s Day.

“A lot of times before this we’ve used more local-based taxi companies,” said Kelly Collins, mid-Missouri sales manager for Major Brands. “But with it being so easy with an app on a phone, that’s why we decided to partner with Lyft.”

Users can visit Major Brands’ Facebook or Instagram page to get a download code for the credit.

“Having a wholesale license to distribute alcohol in the state of Missouri, we feel like it’s a privilege and as a third-generation family business operating in Missouri for more than 80 years, we have a personal stake in promoting the responsible consumption of alcohol and making sure everyone gets home safe,” Collins said.

Major Brands set a goal of 1,000 credits to be used in Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia and Springfield.

In Columbia, the Mike Campbell Law firm is offering 25 vouchers for free rides from Uber.

“In 2017, we ran a campaign to help Columbia residents get home safely with free Taxi Terry vouchers,” the law firm wrote on its website. “The campaign was a tremendous success and we helped 25 people ring in the new year. This year, we’re giving away 25 free Uber passes to the first 25 residents who pledge to not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol on New Year’s Eve. Each pass will reward up to $25 off from one Uber ride between the dates of 12 noon New Year’s Eve to 12 noon New Year’s Day.”

The Moberly Police Department is also offering to drive residents home on New Year’s Eve at no charge.

The police department said rides will be provided to those unable to drive due to intoxication. The rides will only be to a person’s home, not bar to bar or party to party. The availability of the rides will also depend on officer call volume. Riders are subject to being searched before entering the officer’s vehicle.

To call for a ride, MPD asks to call their business number at 660-263-0346. They also recommend downloading Uber or using the 7800 Taxi at 660-263-7800.