Rides for Revelers Offered
The Los Angeles Police Department will operate a free shuttle service tonight for St. Patrick’s Day revelers too drunk to drive themselves safely home.
“The idea is to provide them with a safer option,” said Officer Tom Souza.
Typically, St. Patrick’s is one of the most festive nights of the year, Souza said. To prevent party-goers from driving drunk, the department, in conjunction with Budget Rent-a-Car, will shuttle 10 vans driven by off-duty officers to more than 50 Irish-theme bars and restaurants in the Valley.
Every 20 minutes between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m., the vans will stop in front of the bars and restaurants and take party-goers home within a seven-mile radius.
“Our goal is not to arrest people, but to ensure they as well as others on the road will make it home safely, Souza said.
Patrons of bars not being serviced by the shuttle service may call the LAPD Valley Traffic Division at 902-0336 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. for a ride.
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