Local businesses partner with first-in-nation pre-paid cab card service

The statewide RADD California Coalition, a non-profit road safety organization, has announced a pre-paid electronic taxi card designed to reduce DUI injuries and impairment on the road. Sixty-five bars and restaurants throughout San Diego, have affiliated themselves with the service, along with Yellow Cab of San Diego.

“I’m pleased to say that San Diego [is] … the first city in the United States to offer the RADD/My Safe Ride Home pre-paid taxi card program,” said a release from the non-profit road safety organization.

RADD also announced local musicians Ruby Summer as spokespersons to relay the message to teens and young adults.

“Our mutual message is very simple,” the musical duo said, “Plan ahead, call a cab or use a designated driver.”

The pre-paid cards, which can be ordered online, via phone app., or at participating bars and restaurants, cost $30—a round-trip fare that buys up to four people a ride to and from their destination. The fare includes a priority queue, which allows users to quickly find a cab.

Although the program is affiliated with local colleges in the San Diego area, it’s intended for anyone who needs assistance getting home safely, including adults who socialize with alcohol, teens on a bad date or in any other dangerous situation, citizens who are just too tired to drive, and/or seniors.

Supporters of the initiative include San Diego Police Department Chief William Landsdowne; the City of San Diego, Office of the Mayor Community Outreach Director Ron Lacey; Pacific Beach Hospitality Task Force Chair David Jones; San Diego State University adjunct professor and AOD initiatives director Dr. James Lange, among others.

For more information, or to purchase a pre-paid cab, visit: radd.org.