CapMetro offering late night hours to combat DWI's
During the latest “no refusal” period, Austin police arrested 78 people.
That's just from over the course of five days. “There's absolutely never a time when you should drive if you've been drinking,” said Chief Brian Manley.
To combat this problem, cap metro has partnered with the Austin Police Department to make strides in the city's Vision Zero campaign. “Friday and Saturday nights we are running late night services until September 1,” said Randy Clarke, Capital Metro C.E.O.
This means extended hours. Clarke says on Fridays, Metro-Rail will go until 1:45 am and on Saturdays, until 2:30 am. “Everyone knows Austin is a great music and bar town. We want to really encourage people to get on our service, we have late night buses and of course these late night trains. It’s a part of our commitment with the city, APD and others to really hit our Vision Zero priorities in this community."
Cap Metro says commuters can reduce their risk of an accident by 90 percent by choosing to take transit. Officials believe the partnership between law enforcement is crucial in keeping Austinites safe.
“We're fortunate to have this partnership with Capital Metro and we look forward to advancing the safety of Austin, as a community, working together,” said Manley.
This extended service is a trial, and if it goes well, Cap Metro says they may keep it year round.