CHP preps for New Year's Eve drivers, free rides on public transportation

SAN JOSE, CA - The California Highway Patrol says its maximum enforcement period will start Tuesday evening. Public transportation agencies are also announcing free rides on New Year's Eve in the Bay Area.  

New Year celebrations will get underway across the Bay Area on Tuesday and CHP wants to remind people that they have other options instead of driving impaired.

"Our goal is to be out there looking for impaired drivers, removing them from the road before they have the opportunity to hurt anyone," said Sgt. Andrew Barclay, CHP Golden Gate Div.

With New Year's celebrations just two days away, the California Highway Patrol says it’ll use additional officers to maximize enforcement starting at 6pm on Tuesday through New Year's Day. According to the National Safety Council, 37% of all deaths involved an alcohol-impaired driver in 2022 during the New Year holiday period. 

"If you’re going to be out on New Year’s, and you’re going to be partying. If you’re going to be intoxicated, whatever the case may be, designate a sober driver before that party starts. Make sure that you have a plan in place," said Barclay. 

In addition to designating a driver, CHP says people can schedule a ride with a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft. Public transportation agencies, including VTA, Caltrain, and Muni are also offering free rides starting at 8pm on New Year’s Eve until 5 am on January 1st. SamTrans will also offer free rides from 8pm until 3 am. At San Pedro Square in San Jose, two friends say they’ll probably stay home, but it’s good to know that people don’t have to drive on New Year’s Eve.

"I do love that they have transportation available, so people don’t get DUIs, get pulled over or whatever. Super smart. Also, call an Uber if you don’t know where the public transportation is," said Christine Caldwell, of San Jose.  

"Super smart to use everything public transit available. " I wish we had more options, but yeah, I think it’s a really smart idea because then you don’t have to worry about it," said Annie Amador, of Campbell.

NSC estimates that 179 people may die in traffic accidents on U.S. roads during the 2025 New Year’s Day holiday period. Sgt. Barclay says people should also be vigilant while driving.  

"You can absolutely utilize your phone while you’re driving to call 9-1-1 if you see somebody that you think is too dangerous to be out on the road," said Sgt. Barclay. 

BART will have extended service on Tuesday, but there are no free rides.