BAKERSFIELD, CA - The number of DUI arrests in the Golden Empire might have been higher if not for some free rides offered to anyone who overindulged over the New Year. While hundreds took advantage of them, others say the long waits left them looking for other safe alternatives.
Many of the businesses offering free rides are still compiling the numbers to see just how many took advantage of the service. But, United Cab Company knows it took in more than 1,000 calls on that single night and morning alone.
"We were slammed with multiple calls," said Annette Varon, a manager at the company.
The phones at United Cab Company started ringing as soon as free rides were ready to roll at 8 p.m.
"Absolutely. I want to say we got several calls from people who were very intoxicated," said Varon.
This is the third year United Cab has offered the Bud Light Designated Driver program thanks to an Advanced Beverage Company sponsorship.
On New Year's Eve, four people were answering three phone lines, and two dispatchers would send out the twelve cabs in their fleet. All of the calls are logged on stacks of papers. Varon says the wait times ranged from 20 to 45 minutes.
"I'm not going to say we didn't miss any, but we did miss a few. However, we did have several meetings ahead of time. We set up a small coalition of people to be able to help prepare and be able to have a successful night," said Varon.
But, opinions ranged on the service on our KGET TV-17 Facebook page. Fernando Picazo wrote, "I called about 10 times and waited 3 hours, then decided to annoy my parents to drive my intoxicated butt home."
And Hope Ramos-Perez said, "Never got through to that free taxi service."
But, Varon still feels the free rides saved lives, taking in more calls then ever before and encouraging tipsy travelers ready to hit the road, to remain patient.
"They mentioned that if we didn't get there soon, they were going to jump in their car and were going to drive even though they were drunk. We also did a little bit of counseling on the phone and explained to them to sit and relax and be patient. We promise we will get a cab there," said Varon.
GET Bus also offered free bus service and AAA offered free rides and towing on New Year's Eve. They both say they will have their ridership numbers next week.