Winnipeg Transit wants you to take a free ride this New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve revellers can catch a free ride with Winnipeg Transit to go to and from their festivities safely.

The City of Winnipeg says it's teaming up with Manitoba Public Insurance again this year to offer free regular and Handi-Transit service from 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 until the end of daily service.

The last buses generally leave downtown at around 1:35 a.m.Riders are encouraged to check Winnipeg Transit's website or call 311 for complete bus route and schedule information.

"The Free Ride program allows Winnipeggers to celebrate safely on New Year's Eve," acting deputy mayor Janice Lukes said in a news release Friday.

"Winnipeg Transit, with support from Manitoba Public Insurance, offers a free and easy option to get home at the end of the evening, while helping to keep the roads safe by preventing alcohol-related tragedies."

MPI has sponsoredWinnipeg Transit's New Year's Eve service since 2011.

Last year, more than 15,000 people included public transit in their plans to get home safely on New Year's Eve.

"All too often we encounter impaired drivers who tell us they had no choice but to drive. We know that is not true," said Staff Sgt. Rob Riffel of the Winnipeg Police Service.

"This program provides another safe alternative to this dangerous decision to drive impaired."