December 11, 2018 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Chief of Police Steve Reed join with Holiday Cab to announce the return of the program that provides free cab rides home to impaired drivers during this holiday season. In its 31th year of service, the Holiday Cab program runs from Thursday, December 20th to Tuesday, January 1st from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. each day.
“The Holiday Cab program provides a great community service,” Chief Reed stated. “We applaud and support their mission to reduce impaired driving and get everyone home safely.”
“I’m appreciative of the commitment displayed each year by Holiday Cab and local law enforcement as we come together to help keep everyone as safe as possible during the holiday season,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “We’re fortunate to live in a community that values the safety and well-being of individuals, families, neighborhoods and businesses.”
“The goal of the program has always been to prevent the tragedies that can and do occur when motorists drive drunk or impaired”, said Rita Junk, Holiday Cab administrator.
Since 1987, Holiday Cab has provided an alternative for residents looking for a safe ride home. Last year, the program provided 229 rides.
Alcohol-related collisions continue to be a public safety concern nationwide. In Allen County, in 2017, there were a total of 419 alcohol-related collisions, resulting in 136-injuries and 10-deaths.
The Holiday Cab program will provide free rides home to those who live within a 10-mile radius of downtown Fort Wayne. Those who live farther can still use the cab service, but will have to pay the difference, beyond the 10-mile radius.
Residents must call Holiday Cab at (260) 426-8555, in order to get the free service. Reservations are not accepted, and the cabs will only take people home, not to another bar, restaurant or party.
This year’s Holiday Cab program is sponsored by AALCO Distributing Company, Anheuser-Busch IN BEV, UAW CAP Council and the Tavern Owner's Association. Rides will be provided by Deluxe Taxi Company. The program continues to receive support from local law enforcement agencies.