Take the safe way home from the pub in Ballina Shire
November 17, 2009
A new intiative to help licensed-premises patrons get home safely has been launched by Ballina Shire Council and members of the local Liquor Accord.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights for the next three months, they will contribute $4 towards a taxi or hire car fare to get you home after a night at a participating licensed venue.
Chairman of the Ballina Shire Liquor Accord Gavin Fensom, from the Lennox Point Hotel, said that Share the Fare was a first for the region.
“Neighbouring areas use a late night bus or designated driver programs, but in Ballina we’re working directly with local taxi and hire car companies to help provide affordable and safe transport home for patrons,” he said.
“Patrons just need to show their ID to bar staff with a current address, and this is written onto a $4 voucher, valid for that night only. Friends can pool their vouchers to one of the identified addresses.”
Taxi and hire car operators are right behind the project.
Bernie Heckler, proprietor of Ballina District Taxis, announced that the project would coincide with a new SMS service aimed at improving passenger safety.
“Bar staff can give us a mobile number when they make the booking,” he said.
“When the driver arrives, he hits a button in the taxi that sends a text to the nominated mobile announcing his arrival and the taxi number.
“It means passengers don’t have to wait on the street for their taxi to turn up, and drivers know exactly who they’re meant to pick up.
“Best of all, it’s a free service.”
The Ballina Liquor Accord Inc is an agreement by licensees and other stakeholders to take certain actions in local communities that aim to improve safety in entertainment areas and reduce alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, offences and violence.
The majority of funds for this project have been provided by the Roads and Traffic Authority, with contributions from the Ballina Liquor Accord and Ballina Shire Council.
A list of the participating venues and a set of full terms and conditions is available at www.ballina.nsw.gov.au or for more information phone council’s Road Safety Officer on 6686 4444.
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