Free cab rides offered on New Year's Eve

MAT-SU -- The Alaska Cab Company will be doing their part to make Valley streets and roads safer on New Year's Eve this year.

According to Alaska Cab owner Corky Hedrick, the company will be offering free cab rides to Valley residents who celebrate New Year's Eve at bars from Houston and Big Lake all the way to Palmer.

Anyone needing a ride to their home from a bar on New Year's Eve will be able to call 357-2727 and an Alaska Cab will report to deliver them safely to their front door.

Hedrick said that all local bars will be participating, and will make the calls for their customers if needed. No cabs will go to Anchorage, however, Hedrick said.

Hedrick expects to have as many as 13 cars on the road that night, and plans to keep them rolling by bringing in some of her day drivers on a voluntary basis for the evening.

"This will be our third year to give the free rides," Hedrick said Friday.

"The first year we did it there were zero DWIs in the Valley on New Year's Eve," she said.

Hedrick said the city of Wasilla gave the company an appreciation award last year in recognition of their efforts to keep tipsy celebrants from getting behind the wheel on the year's biggest party night.

Her New Year's Resolution?

"I'd like to see another DWI-free New Year's Eve in the Valley," Hedrick said.