SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. — In 21 years of doing business in Massachusetts, a family-owned taxi company has started their own New Year's Eve tradition.
The goal is to get people home safe, free of charge.
“We do this snow, sleet, anytime,” owner Suellen Nassour said. “That’s our biggest fear, because we have the children and it’s the fear -- not them being out -- it’s the fear of other people.”
The Nassour family owns Town Cab and Southbridge Taxi and Livery.
New Year’s Eve could be a big night for business but, instead, they offer free pick-ups at bars and restaurants in Charlton, Sturbridge and Southbridge, hoping people make the right decision and not get behind the wheel.
The owners pass out flyers to local state police barracks as well, in hopes their free rides would cut down on the number of arrests.
“It’s something we want to give back because they work hard and instead of them stopping for DUIs, we’d rather have them do something they can depend on than worry about,” said Nassour.
The two will be doing pick-ups and drop-offs all night. They’ve also alerted some local bar owners to give them a call first if they have a customer who can’t get home safe.
“Now I think it will be a little busier than last year," Nassour said.
They tell me their business could take a small hit because they will only accept tips on New Year's Eve, but it’s a price they’re willing to pay for the safety of the community.
The free pick-ups will be offered until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
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