Police Offer Free Rides Home To Residents on New Year's Eve

For the sixth consecutive year, the Woodstock Police Department will provide free rides home to those who party a little too hard on New Year's Eve.

The department on Tuesday will conduct Operation Safe Ride, which offers a safe, free alternate way home for residents who are impaired or would not feel comfortable getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. 

Any resident who wishes to take advantage of the service must patronize a business in Woodstock's city limits, must live a "reasonable" distance in the city and can't afford to call a taxi. The agency will use 15 passenger vans and two police officers to drive residents home. 

Neese Towing will once again partner with the agency to tow vehicles home for residents at no cost. Since launching, the initiative has given over 325 rides home and saved numerous lives, Woodstock police said in a news release. 

"The main reason for this operation is to ensure that residents can celebrate the holiday, but not endanger the lives of others by driving impaired," said Lt. Troy Brazie, Special Operations Group commander. "We have fun interacting with all of the residents and meeting new people. It is a way for us to get out in the community while keeping the streets of Woodstock safe."

Anyone interested in using the service on New Year's Eve can call (678) 414-2676 anytime that night. Pick-up times will be from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. 

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