Free cab rides on St. Patrick's Day
Local nonprofit hoping to prevent drunken driving in Prince George's, metro area
The McLean, Va.-based Washington Regional Alcohol Program announced that from 4 p.m. Wednesday through 4 a.m. Thursday, individuals can call the nonprofit's SoberRide line at 800-200-TAXI (8294), and a taxi will pick them up.
Riders must be 21 years old to use the service and will have to verify their age when they call for a cab. The service is available to anyone calling from the District as well as Prince George's, Montgomery, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William and Eastern Loudoun counties.
WRAP has offered the service since 1993, according to President Kurt Gregory Erickson. Last year, 403 people used the service.
Nine local taxi cab companies are participating, but that does not include all local companies, so riders must use the SoberRide line as opposed to calling individual companies.
Riders can only call for a free ride between the designated hours; reservations will not be accepted.
Erickson said taxi cab drivers will be paid for the rides through donations to the nonprofit, and SoberRide calls will not take less preference than regular calls.
For more information, contact WRAP at 703-893-0461.
Call 800-200-TAXI (8294) for a free taxi ride, up to $50, from 4 p.m. Wednesday through 4 a.m. Thursday.