Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg and Manitoba Public Insurance are helping Winnipeggers to get home safely this New Year’s Eve by offering free transit after 7 p.m.
“The Free Ride program provides a free and responsible way for Winnipeggers get home after ringing in the New Year,” said Councillor Matt Allard, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Infrastructure Renewal and Public Works. “Thank you to Manitoba Public Insurance and Winnipeg Transit for helping keep our roads safe and enabling residents to make the right choice to not drink and drive.”
The Free Ride program applies to all Regular and Handi-Transit service starting December 31st at 7 p.m. until end of service. The last buses leave downtown at approximately 1:35 a.m. For complete bus route and schedule information, visit winnipegtransit.com or contact 311.
“Winnipeggers are reminded that impaired driving is not exclusive to over-use of alcohol. Impairment by drugs also impacts concentration, reaction time and driving ability,” said Satvir Jatana, vice-president responsible for Communications, Manitoba Public Insurance.
“Taking the New Year’s Eve Free Ride guarantees everyone gets home safety. We all want 2019 to start on a safe and happy note. Our goal is to make 2019 the safest year on our roads.”
Manitoba Public Insurance has sponsored the Free Ride New Year’s Eve service since 2011. As a road safety leader in the province, Manitoba Public Insurance is committed to reducing alcohol-related collisions, deaths and injuries.
“We want to remind everyone to make good decisions this holiday season. Find a safe way home,” said Staff Sargent Sean Pollock, Winnipeg Police Service.
Last year, more than 15,000 revelers used Winnipeg Transit’s Free Ride program as part of their plan to get home safely on New Year’s Eve.