Cheaper, Safer Party Rides

Santa Fe County is offering $5 cab rides home on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. But of course, there's a catch. The reality is, you get $25 worth in mileage, which means if you're only going a short distance, then it's a good deal.

For the longer rides, say, like from Buffalo Thunder to Santa Fe, you'd probably pay $30, all told.

That's not bad, considering the same ride would probably cost you double that amount.

It's all part of the county's DWI Program, which every year kicks into high gear to prevent drunken driving during the holidays but has offered the same sort of weekend deals for the past six years.

The country contracts with Capital City Cab (438-0000), which has 15 vehicles cruising the city during the weekends and peak hours.

Peter Olson, the DWI Program's prevention specialist, suggests this: Either choose a designated driver or plan on calling a cab, unless of course you decide to walk home. The hours of operation are between 5:30 pm and 2:30 am during the aforementioned dates, Olson adds.

On Dec. 30, the county plans to distribute coasters advertising the deals at some of the city's bars so that patrons will know the inexpensive rides exist. Plus, bartenders will have the option of wearing a T-shirt that advertises the number.

And even designated drivers aren't perfect, which is why Olson recommends non-alcoholic beverages while you wait for your party or partiers. Finally, if you see a drunken driver on the road, contact police immediately by calling 911, or you may text #DWI (or #394).

Santa Fe Reporter