New Year’s Eve is pretty polarizing in my world—either you’re all about finding something glittery to wear and plotting a wild celebration, or the scrooge in you finds a voice and wants to boycott it all.
As a fan of any reason to get together with friends and family and raise a glass, I’m not entirely sure why it’s so disliked by some—though I do understand the aversion to lit crowds and often-pricey admissions to a restaurant or venue’s big feat. Will the night live up to the hype?!
Still, many of us give it a go every year. From dinner parties to dance parties, all-you-can-drink-and-eat affairs to hiding in a friend’s basement with fast food simply to feign plans, I’ve really done it all.
Regardless of your route, I think we can all agree on something: Drunk driving is entirely preventable.
So it’s perfect that after 15 years of offering free public transportation for the hoards of revelers on St. Patrick’s Day, Miller Lite Free Rides™ is now offering the same for New Year’s Eve in the Twin Cities (joining the ranks of Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, and Waukesha). That means this Saturday, December 31, 2011, from 6 p.m. to the end of normal service, you can take any Metro Transit bus or light-rail routes, plus the Northstar commuter train in Minneapolis/St. Paul, for free.
It’s a little gift from Metro Transit, MillerCoors and J.J. Taylor Distributing Company—and of course supported by our local law enforcement. For some it may mean just getting off the roads during a high-accident time, but for most (and me!), it’s a way to imbibe with abandon and still get home safely.
Whether traveling from Bloomington, Northtown, St. Paul, or Little Canada—you name it, the ride is free. Of course, not all routes run until 2 a.m., so you’ll want to check specific route and schedule information at Metro Transit or call 1-800-FREE RIDES (1-800-373-3743).
As a regular bus commuter, I know how it goes, but recognize those new to the Twin Cities or public transportation in general can find it intimidating—but it’s really not. I advise checking out Metro Transit’s “how to ride” guide, and then using a little common sense and courtesy (like, those seats there, they’re for actual bodies, not your purse) and you’ll be fine!
Ultimately, whether you take Miller Lite Free Rides™ or not, please, be safe. No one wants to start the year off terribly wrong.
Cheers to 2012!
