Three shiny blue scooters, two Lincoln Town Cars and a mini bus stood waiting as about 60 UF students socialized at The Swamp Restaurant Wednesday night.
The vehicles belonged to Fabulous Rides, a new service that offers transportation anywhere in Gainesville for residents unable to drive themselves home after a night out, said Ray Land, president of Fabulous Rides.
Land said he expected rides to be given out to about 150 people Wednesday night.
Fabulous Rides will offer free rides to students until Saturday, although rides will normally cost $20 for the scooter service, $25 for the Lincoln Town Car and $45 for the mini bus.
The company worked with Student Government, who organized the event in order to kick off its new DUI prevention program, said Dana Somerstein, the External Affairs Director for SG.
Somerstein said the program aims to make students aware of all the alternative forms of transportation available to them.
Mark McShera, a former Orange and Blue party senator, said he wished that the event also focused on lessening injuries on the roads, not just preventing DUIs.
Students 21 and older received white wristbands outside of The Swamp along with a reservation ticket with their requested ride time, said Jeremy Hamel, the director of marketing and innovation of Fabulous Rides.
Hamel said he hopes the new service will prevent students from facing the pressure that comes with wondering if they are sober enough to drive.
Tara Blaylock, a psychology senior, said she thought the wristbands advertising Fabulous Rides were an effective marketing ploy.
"They're off to a good start," she said.
If interested in Fabulous Rides, call 1-866-448-RIDE.
