The holidays are a time for celebrating and spending time with family and friends. The last place you want to end up is in a jail cell. So it’s good to be aware of the myriad of apps, programs and services that are available for holiday revelers needing a ride home after having a drink. Many cost little or nothing.
Instead of getting behind the wheel in metro Atlanta, try one of these options for getting home safely after that holiday party, sporting event or New Year’s celebration.
Apps
Atlanta Checker Cab: For the 29th year, Atlanta Checker Cab is offering free rides during the holidays. Anyone in Atlanta or the DeKalb County area can call or use the speedy Atlanta Checker Cab app for a free ride home if driving skills are questionable. This is for a free ride home, not a party-to-party ride.
Atlanta Checker Cab, (404) 351-1111, www.atlantacheckercab.com, iOS and Android apps
Lyft: Lyft is your friend with a car. Once you log into the app and specify where you're heading, a Lyft-approved driver will pick you up. A suggested "donation" is your fare.
www.lyft.me, iOS and Android apps
Uber: Uber gained a lot of attention at the start of the holiday season when they advertised that would deliver a Christmas tree to your home for $135. Uber will pick you up and they offer discounts to various holiday events around town.
www.uber.com, iOS and Android apps
Programs and services
AAA/Bud Light "Tow to Go": Now in it's 15th year, "Tow to Go" provides a AAA tow truck as a last resort if you need to go within a 10-mile radius of your pick-up point. Rides are free to both AAA members and non-members. Depends on tow truck availability.
(855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246, http://autoclubsouth.aaa.com/safety/tow_to_go.aspx
AtlantaDesignatedDrivers.com: Become a member and you get priority for a person to drive your car and a chase car will follow. Many bar/pub owners have a membership. Cost is $60 plus $3 per mile outside of I-285 (plus tip).
(770) 849-RIDE (7433), www.atlantadesignateddrivers.com
Designated Driver Alternative: If you don't have a designated driver, why not call for one. Call or text (404) 713-1780 and a designated driver will be dispatched to you at a reasonable cost.
(404) 713-1730, www.dd-alt.com
SafeRide Atlanta: Takes reservations if you know you will need a driver. They offer three different options: drive you and your car home; your party can use them as your chauffeur service; or they will dispatch multiple drivers to your location to drive your guests home.
(404)888-0887 @SafeRideAtlanta, www.callsaferide.com
URide: For those in the Smyrna/Vinings area, URide will get you home. $20 covers your first five miles and it's $3 per additional mile.
(770) 827-8374, www.facebook.com/wedriveyouride
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