BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
OLD BRIDGE — Anyone looking for a ride home in Old Bridge after a night out can now tap Uber’s “Old Bridge Safe Ride Option” on a smart phone to get a free ride.
A pilot program between the Old Bridge Business Alliance and Uber began April 14 in an effort to reduce drunk driving and provide safe, free rides to people who need it from select bars and restaurants in the township’s downtown.
Steve Mamakas, executive officer of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and chairperson of the Old Bridge Business Alliance, broached the idea to the alliance in December.
Business owner John Parmar, a township resident and a member of the business alliance, shelled out $2,500 to fund the Uber rides for about a month.
“Another business owner has pledged $2,500 so we already have $5,000,” Mamakas said.
He said there are 11 liquor license locations so far from which customers can get a ride to a residence in the township.
“We are looking to expand it to bring-your-own beverage establishments,” he said.
The safe ride option within the app will be available from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday.
Mamakas said all the restaurants are benefiting from the pilot program, noting that he has already received response from the Pine Tavern.
“It’s all for the safety in the township,” he said.
The pilot program was announced last week at the Old Bridge Business Alliance’s Leadership Forum held at the Grand Marquis on April 14. Mamakas noted that the partnership with Uber is unique because it is run through the alliance and not through the township.
Similar programs have already launched in Evesham and Voorhees.
Uber pick up locations include General Saloon, 1194 Englishtown Road; T.G.I. Fridays, 1001 Route 9; The Grand Marquis, 1550 Route 9; Big Ed’s BBQ, 305 Route 34; Café Luna, 3679 Route 9; Ruby Tuesday, 1352 Route 9; Texas Roadhouse, 1000 Route 9; Pine Tavern, 151 Route 34 and Dock Road; Bensi Restaurant Italiano, 3899 Route 9; Palms Plaza Caterers, 343 Route 34; and Outback Steakhouse, 1398 Route 9.