News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
UCHRA will be providing free, safe rides home this New Year’s Eve for any location up to five miles outside Cookeville city limits.
Transportation Director Holly Montooth said the service has been offered in the past but makes a return after a brief pause.
“Through conversation, we were talking with the Sheriff’s Office, and we knew we enjoyed being able to participate in this partnership and be able to offer the safe ride home on new Year’s Eve. So, we just decided it was time to start that back up again.”
Montooth said from 9:00 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. New Year’s night, revelers can call 833-UCTRIPS (833-828-7477) to arrange a ride home. The service can not be used for transportation to other parties.
“We realize that’s a long phone number, so there is nothing like being prepared,” Montooth said. “So we say go ahead and put that phone number in your phone and that way New Year’s Eve you’ll be ready to go.”
Montooth said rides are made possible through a partnership with TriStar beverages, Putnam Sheriff’s Office and Cookeville Police Department. Montooth said law enforcement’s role will be for back-up rides if an overflow occurs.
“It’s a true testament to all of our transit operators,” Montooth said. “They realize the importance of this event, so they are more than willing to offer their time for such an important event.”
