CENTRAL TEXAS (KXXV) — The Waco Transit System (WTS) is bring back its annual Safe Ride Home program, which offers free rides to and from New Year's Eve destinations for those who may otherwise be tempted to drive under the influence.
Ride Safe Home hours are from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on New Year's Eve for transportation to and from your destination. Call (254) 750-1620 to schedule a free ride or find out your coverage area. Reservations are preferred, but same-day requests will be accepted based on availability.
Ride Safe Home is also partnering with Tow King to offer free vehicle tows for those who need an unexpected safe ride. Call Tow King directly to arrange a free vehicle tow at (254) 666-5484.
The Bosque County Sheriff's Office is conducting "Operation Blue Taxi," where the sheriff's office, the Meridian Police Department, Clifton Police Department, and Valley Mills Police Department will be offering safe travel within their respective city limits.
On New Year's Eve, Bosque County deputies and city police officers will provide a courtesy ride to party goers that may have had too much to drink.
"We ask (insist) that officers be treated with respect and our rules are followed. It is not our desire or intent to make arrests, but rather to bring in the new year without injuries, death, or criminal charges being filed on anyone.
If you choose not to utilize the "Blue Taxi", please be responsible and arrange for a designated driver. Additional law enforcement will be on duty with zero tolerance for intoxicated drivers."
This is a free service - although donations to your local volunteer fire department are appreciated. For a courtesy ride, call (254) 435-2362 - DO NOT call 911.
But to ride with one of your Bosque County law enforcement officers, there are some rules:
1. All rides are one way, from pickup location to your residence or location you will be staying for the night. Both the pickup location and the drop off location must be within Bosque county. We cannot/will not transport over county lines.
2. All "passengers" must be on their best behavior. We can tolerate a little humor, but rudeness or disorderly conduct will result in a destination change, to OUR address. If you decide to get disorderly and stay the night with us, be sure to memorize your momma or daddy's number as we won't have it on file. (unless you've paid us a visit before)
3. All transports will be video and audio recorded! If an arrest is required, the video will be used in court. If no arrest is made, we will save the videos for our own entertainment during staff meetings.
4. No alcoholic beverages or smoking will be permitted inside the transport vehicle.
5. Transport vehicle will not stop at any location between pickup and drop off, nor will they make a B double E, Double R, u, n.
6. Passengers must sit in back seat and are not allowed to sit up front and play with the red lights or siren.
7. Passengers are not allowed to talk on the police radio or call in prank calls while being transported.
8. Passengers are not allowed to play with the officers tazer and officers will not taze your buddy for a tik tok or youtube video. Only unruly individuals will "ride the lightning".
9. No "selfies" while in the patrol unit, nor while holding a beverage and leaning on the door or pointing at the patrol car Sheriff decals.
