Drink too much at a Princeton bar? You may be able to get a free rideshare home thanks to new Princeton Police and Uber partnership
The Princeton Police Department is partnering with rideshare service Uber to reduce drunk driving in the town.
Patrons at Princeton bars and restaurants will be able to scan a QR code to receive a free ride home, up to a $15 value. The QR code will be active at participating bars and restaurants in Princeton on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. The destination drop-off must be within Princeton.
The new program will launch on Friday, May 5.
A QR code can be found on posters at participating locations, or you can scan the QR code beforehand and it will be applied to your next eligible ride. It is simple to use: scan the code, enter a valid destination, and get home safely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New Jersey had 699 motor vehicle fatalities in 2021, with 25% being attributed to a drunk driver with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
“We are excited to launch this program and provide this free service to our residents and visitors,” said Princeton Police Sgt. Michael Strobel. “I’m hoping that once the program is up and running, neighboring towns will want to join, and we can spread this program throughout Mercer County.”
The program is made possible through donations made to Princeton Police PBA Local 130 union, which has funded the program so far.
Five private clubs and 17 restaurants and bars have taken the pledge and will participate in the inaugural program. Participating restaurants and bars include:
Agricola Eatery
Alchemist & Barrister
Conte’s Pizza
Ivy Inn
McCarter Theatre Center
Mediterra Restaurant & Taverna
Metro North
Mistral
Roots Ocean Prime
Yankee Doodle Tap Room
Teresa’s Pizza/ Wine Bar
The Dinky Bar & Kitchen
The Meeting House
The Perch at Peacock Inn
Triumph Brewing Company
Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar
Witherspoon Grill
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.