WASHINGTON - For many of you, New Year's Eve is all about the party. If you are drinking, you would be smart to consider public transportation. But now, there is even more incentive to do just that.
Metro's board approved an offer from MillerCoors to make your ride home after your New Year's celebrations free.
The beer maker is paying your fares on Metrorail and Metrobus routes from midnight to 3 a.m. on January 1.
The idea is simple -- to promote responsible commuting.
"I am pleased to announce this exciting new partnership with Miller Lite to support safe transportation for our customers on New Year's Eve," said Metro general manager and CEO Paul Wiedefeld. "We hope this promotion will encourage those celebrating across the region to leave the driving to us this holiday."
"We're excited to bring our flagship Miller Lite Free Rides program to Washington, D.C. for the first time on New Year's Eve," said Diane Wagner, responsibility commerce manager for MillerCoors. "Our partnership with Metro is part of MillerCoors overall commitment to help prevent drunk driving by bringing alcohol responsibility programs to more markets. Working together, Miller Lite, Metro and Premium Distributors will help ensure people have a great time this New Year's Eve and get home safely from their celebrations."
There is no catch. Customers using their SmarTrip card will not be charged during that window of time.
MillerCoors is paying Metro $165,000 to cover the fares.
MillerCoors is also helping offer free rides on New Year's Eve in other cities across the country, which include Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Duluth and the Twin Cities in Minnesota, Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay, Wisconsin, Nashville, Tennessee and Phoenix.