Happy New Year With Free Coffee and Free Rides

Once again this year New York State will be offering free coffee and hot tea for travelers on the state Thruway for New Year's Eve.  Also there will be free taxi rides home available on New Year's Eve in  Schenectady, Albany, Rensselaer Counties as well.

For more than 40 years, the State has been offering complimentary coffee and tea at each of the Thruway's travel plazas.  This free service will be available from 11:00 p.m. Saturday until 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning. 

In Schenectady County, free taxi rides home will be available on New Year's Eve.   Rides will begin at 10:00 p.m. and run until 2:00 a.m. on Sunday.  The Schenectady County STOP-DWI Program is partnering this year with Martin, Harding and Mazzotti on the Safe Ride Home program.  Schenectady County residents can receive a free taxi ride home on New Year’s Eve by calling 1-800-529-1010.

In Albany County, the Sheriff’s Department along with the County Executive’s office have announced the County's 28th annual STOP DWI New Year’s Eve Safe Ride program.   The program is available in Albany County (excluding the Hilltowns and New Scotland area) beginning at 10:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and ending at 3:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day.  Anyone who has been drinking within the County may call 720-8100 to request a ride.

In Rensselear County, they will once again ring in the New Year with a safe ride program.  Free cab rides home from participating bars and restaurants will be offered.  Aside from the cabs, three Rensselear County owned vehicles will be available from 10 p.m. New Year’s Eve until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Volunteers from different county agencies dispatch and drive the vehicles, and each is accompanied by a Rensselear County Sheriff’s Department deputy. For a ride, call 518-266-7680.

Please drive safe and sober, and if you need a ride home call for a Safe Ride.  Hundreds of people take advantage of these programs every year.

Remember police agencies will be out in full force to ensure a safe evening.  Please don't drink and drive.