You might think that Evesham Township in Southern New Jersey, with a population of just 45,000, is one of those sleepy, friendly small American towns. But the people in Evesham have a serious problem, and now they’re turning to Uber for help.
This year, Evesham is on track to reach 250 drunk driving arrests, according to Reuters. Now, through partnerships with Uber and the mobile app BeMyDD (Be My Designated Driver), the town is hoping to curb DUI arrests by offering free rides from certain area restaurants and bars.
The town, on pace for record-setting drunk driving arrests, is the first in the nation to create a program using the ride sharing service. The program, funded through local donors, started offering rides from nineteen locations earlier this month.
The town also has deal with BeMyDD, funded by businesses and area non-profits, that allows users of the app to connect with drivers who they can hire to bring them and their car home.
Earlier this year, Evesham tried a pilot program, offering town shuttle rides to 350 bar patrons who requested free rides. The service cut the number of DUI arrests in one month from the monthly average of 23 down to just eight.
Uber says the test program in Evesham will run until January, after which the company will consider working with other towns in providing the service.