Six sponsors back free NYE bus programme

(CNS): The National Drug Council will be able to run the Purple Ribbon free bus service this New Year’s Eve (Thursday 31 December) from 9pm to 4am thanks to six local businesses who came forward to sponsor the service. The NDC said that despite the legislation, increased patrols by the police and public education and awareness campaigns, drinking and driving remains a serious issues in the Cayman Islands. However, over the fifteen years since the inception of the programme, thousands of revellers have used the service and reduced the number of drunk driving incidents on the roads.

Officials from the NDC urged people to use the buses and avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking. Alcohol impairs motor skills, making people less competent drivers and reduces judgment and reaction time.

NDC Programme Manager Brenda Watson said the organisation wants to change the culture from one where drinking and driving is the norm to one where people plan ahead and designate a driver — or use the bus on New Year’s Eve.

“Whether you’re in North Side or West Bay, we anticipate having buses every 10 to 15 minutes running a regular route. Just look out for a bus with purple lights, flag it down and ride to your destination for free,” she said, as she thanked the sponsors and the deputy police commissioner for granting permission for the NDC to use the purple lights, making the service more visible. “Our buses already make continued stops at all bus stops, all major bars and restaurants and we are encouraging residents and visitors alike to use this free and safe service,” Watson added.

The RCIPS said they were glad to facilitate the initiative and hoped the community would take advantage of the programme and ensure a safer New Year’s Eve for everyone.

Joan West-Dacres, the director of the NDC, said that they continue to encourage others to sponsor the initiative so that the number of buses can be increased. The cost of seven buses is currently covered but they would like to run ten for shorter wait times and a more efficient service.

Encouraging everyone who plans to go out and drink on NYE to use the bus or designate a sober driver, West-Dacres said, “Every family looks forward to celebrating the holidays with our family and friends but our celebrations shouldn’t include drinking and driving. Plan ahead and ensure you have a safe ride home. Remember that preventing drinking and driving is everyone’s business and we all need to play our role. Don’t drink and drive.”

Buses will run regular routes from West Bay to Bodden Town and to East End and North Side hourly between the hours of 9pm and 4am. This year in addition to reflective magnetic signage, the Purple Ribbon Buses will also be allowed to have purple lights.

The service has been made possible through the sponsorship of Jacques Scott Group Ltd, Ecay, High Impact Media, Greenlight RE, Dart and Cayman National Bank.

Twenty-six bars and restaurants have confirmed their participation in the Designated Driver Programme, in which they give free non-alcoholic beverages all evening to designated drivers, who will be given a purple wristband bracelet to identify them.

Restaurants that have confirmed their participation are:

Luca
Macabuca Ocensides Tiki Bar & Grill
Papagallo’s Ristorante
Paradise Bar and Grill
Reef Grill at Royal Palms
Southwest Collective
Sunshine Grill
The Attic Sports Bar
Agave Grill
Blue Cilantro
Calico Jacks
Cimboco
Deckers
Dukes Seafood & Rib Shop
Edoardo’s
Grand Old House
Guy Harvey’s Island Grill
Hard Rock Café
Lone Star Bar and Grill
The Green Parrot bar and Grill
The Wharf
Tiki Beach
XQ’s
Pirates Den
Rigazzi Ristorante and Pizzeria