Halifax Transit offers free rides on Saturday evenings to reduce impaired driving
Tanya Hansen Pratt, the national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, knows the devastating impact of impaired driving all too well. In 1999, her mother was tragically killed by an impaired driver while out for a morning walk. Hansen Pratt continues to advocate for safer roads and urges people to take advantage of free bus and ferry rides in Halifax every Saturday after 6 p.m. until the end of the month.
Halifax Transit introduced this free service to combat impaired driving during the holiday season, as last year alone, Halifax police laid 47 charges for impaired driving in December. Hansen Pratt believes that similar programs should be implemented across the country to encourage people to choose public transportation over driving under the influence.
The free rides are made possible through sponsorship from the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation and Molson Coors. This initiative aims to provide a safe and affordable option for individuals who may have been drinking and need a ride home.
Devon Uzabakiliho, a student at Mount Saint Vincent University, appreciates the free rides as it offers a convenient and cost-effective way to move around the city, especially after a night out with friends. He acknowledges the importance of having transportation options available to prevent impaired driving incidents.
Shirley Wile, a mother from Truro who visits Halifax during the holiday season for shopping and to see loved ones, supports the free rides as a means to reduce impaired driving. She emphasizes the importance of making responsible choices when it comes to drinking and getting home safely.
By promoting and utilizing the free bus and ferry rides in Halifax, individuals can help prevent tragedies caused by impaired driving and contribute to a safer community for all. Hansen Pratt’s advocacy and personal experience serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence, urging everyone to make responsible decisions for the sake of themselves and others.
