Operation Red Nose sees busy New Year’s Eve
Posted January 2, 2020 11:30 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It was another busy year for volunteer designated drivers with Operation Red Nose who gave up their New Year’s Eve celebrations to make sure others get home safely on the Lower Mainland.
It’s always the busiest night of the holiday season, according to Chris Wilson with the organization, and the organization can struggle to find drivers. He says demand was consistent with other years, with most locations running until 4:00 a.m. or 4:30 New Year’s Day, but still unable to get to everyone.
“We always try to give out other phone numbers to other designated driving services, commercial driving services,” he said.
He says a few areas that have had the service in the past didn’t offer it this year, including Richmond and Delta, and Surrey and Langley.
Wilson adds ride-hailing would be helpful, but notes surge pricing could be part of the picture.
“We think ride-hailing would be helpful, but you know, we were prepared to do what we typically do every year, even though ride hailing wasn’t available,” he said.
Last year, the Province first said it hoped to have ride hailing operating by the end of 2019.
