DENVER - Denver is almost ready to ring in 2012 with fireworks, DJs, sparkly hats and glasses.
METROMIX: New Year's Eve in Denver 2011
There are two fireworks shows Saturday night on the 16th Street Mall. One is at 9 p.m. - which is very kid friendly, and another is at midnight.
After those celebrations are over and after the glasses of champagne are consumed, make sure you have a safe option for getting home without driving drunk.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, at least 1,310 drivers in Colorado will be starting off the New Year facing the consequences and expense of a DUI arrest that occurred since a holiday season DUI crackdown began Thanksgiving week. Unfortunately, more arrests are expected as the crackdown intensifies again over New Year's weekend, with more than 90 law enforcement agencies across the state planning increased patrols and saturation patrols beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30 through 3 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 2nd.
Don't be a statistic, CDOT warns.
"Start the New Year off with a clean slate. Make a plan before you head out this New Year's Eve," said Col. James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "We've taken hundreds of people off the road already this holiday season for driving under the influence. Don't put yourself and others lives at risk. Call a cab, take public transportation or serve as the sober designated driver for your group. And whether you're the designated driver or just a passenger, please don't forget to buckle your seatbelt."
This New Year's Eve, CDOT is once again partnering with MillerCoors and RTD which are offering alternative transportation options to Colorado drivers along the Front Range. MillerCoors is offering $10 cab vouchers at select bars and restaurants in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley and Loveland. In the Denver area, MillerCoors is encouraging people to call 1-800-TAXICAB, a national taxi dispatch service which helps locate the nearest cab company to you.
"The holidays are a time to celebrate, and we hope consumers who choose to enjoy our great beers will also plan ahead and make the responsible choice to get home safely," said Kim Marotta, director of corporate social responsibility for MillerCoors. "Whether they choose alternative transportation, designate a driver or stay overnight at a hotel or a friend's home, there is always a better option than driving drunk."
In addition to cab vouchers, MillerCoors and RTD are providing free transit rides on New Year's Eve in the Denver metro area. The free rides start at 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve and run through 6 a.m. on New Year's Day. Although the rides will be free, scheduled service hours are not extended.
"We hope people will take advantage of our free rides. This is something we've done for the past twenty-one years and we've seen a great response," said Lee Kemp, RTD Chairman of the Board. "Make a plan before you head out this New Year's Eve and hop on the light rail or get on the bus for a safe and sober ride home."
CDOT's Plan Ahead campaign has reached thousands of people this year through advertising on billboards and websites, in addition to public service announcements on radio and television. CDOT had also created a special website, www.PlanAheadColorado.com, where people can find more information about public transportation options, safe party tips, overnight parking options and more. Information is also available can also visit CDOT's new Facebook page, www.facebook.com/coloradoDOT.
Denver isn't the only city helping out its residents who may have had a few too many downtown.
The City of Boulder, University of Colorado Student Union, RTD and Special Transit are encouraging New Year's Eve revelers to take advantage of the following free transit services:
- Free HOP bus service - 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, until midnight Sunday, Jan.1, 2012.
- Free Buff Bus, Black, Gold and Silver Line Late Night Transit Service - midnight until 3 a.m. on Sunday, Jan.1, 2012.
- Free RTD services, including bus and Light Rail service, access-a-Ride, skyRide and the SKIP, JUMP, BOUND, DASH and BOLT, after 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, until 6 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012.
In addition to the free services, the University of Colorado Buff Bus will augment Late Night Transit services to expand coverage to larger areas of the city. The Buff Bus will provide service on Broadway south to Greenbriar Boulevard and on Baseline Road east to 30th Street up to Arapahoe Avenue.
The Silver Line will extend service on Broadway north to Iris Avenue. The Black Line will extend service on Moorhead Avenue south to Table Mesa Drive and the Gold Line will provide service to areas east of downtown to 30th Street from Arapahoe to Iris avenues.
These expanded services will allow passengers to access most areas of the city after celebrating the arrival of 2012. As always, you can ask your driver for more information if you are unsure about which bus to take.
The HOP, and all RTD services will operate on a regular Saturday schedule on New Year's Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, on a Sunday/holiday schedule on New Year's Day, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, and on a Saturday schedule on Monday, Jan. 2.
For more information on the free HOP and Late Night Transit Service, call Special Transit at (303) 447-8282. For maps, fares and other information, visit www.goboulder.net or www.rtd-denver.com.
(KUSA-TV © 2011 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)