Sober Ride not operating during inauguration week

WASHINGTON - If you drink too much during the inauguration ceremonies, don't expect a free ride home. The Sober Ride program, which provides a free taxi for anyone too impaired to drive, will not operate during inauguration week.

Kurt Erickson, president and CEO of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), which runs the Sober Ride program, tells WTOP the inauguration celebrations fall outside of the group's mission.

"Regardless of the very real barriers to providing service, our decision has nothing to do with funding, but a standing intent to not expand Sober Ride beyond its set and initial holiday times and focus," Erickson writes in an email.

WRAP traditionally offers rides on Halloween, July 4, Christmas and New Year's. From Dec. 12 to Dec. 31, Erickson says the group provided 2,002 rides.

The decision comes as police prepare to deal with thousands of people going to bars and restaurants during and after the festivities. Bars in D.C. will be serving alcohol until 4 a.m. on inauguration week.

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)