Thanks to a program run by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), anyone needing a ride in Winnipeg on New Year's Eve will have a free ride home.
All Regular and Transit Plus services on Tuesday, Dec. 31, will be free thanks to MPI and the City of Winnipeg.
"The Free Ride Program is an important tradition that ensures Winnipeggers can celebrate New Year’s Eve safely and responsibly," says Mayor Scott Gillingham in a press release. "The results from this year’s Winnipeg Police Service Checkstop Program show that too many people are still driving while impaired. By providing free transit service, the City of Winnipeg and Manitoba Public Insurance are offering a safe and convenient way to get home after a night out."
The statistics are in and this year there were 13 people in Manitoba that were killed because of an impaired driver. Another 86 people were injured in driving incidents.
"Alcohol-related driving deaths are 100 percent preventable," said Councillor Janice Lukes, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Public Works. "We are proud to partner with MPI to give Winnipeggers a safe and dependable way home. Since 2011, the Free Ride Program has helped thousands ring in the New Year."
Across Canada, the province of Manitoba has the toughest penalties for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
"The best amount of alcohol to consume before getting behind the wheel is none. Collisions involving impairment by alcohol or drugs are responsible for killing far too many Manitobans, and it does not have to be that way," said Maria Campos, MPI’s Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer.
The City of Winnipeg is encouraging citizens to plan for a safe ride home after festivities, including taking a transit bus for free. The buses will run until 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 1.
More information on the bus routes can be found on the Winnipeg Transit App.