Pa. Sober Ride Home program pumps brakes after successful start [Video]

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A new initiative providing free rides home from local bars has hit a temporary roadblock just weeks into its pilot program. 

Ben Warner with the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, emphasized the urgency of the program, citing that 40% of fatalities in the region are attributed to DUI drivers. 

“Not only are you safe but also the other individuals that are on the roadway,” Warner said about the program’s benefits.

The free rides were available in Dauphin, Perry and Cumberland Counties starting Dec. 23, Thursday through Sunday, between 3 p.m. and 3 a.m. Patrons scanned a QR code, entered their voucher information into the Uber app, and secured a safe ride home. 

However, the program quickly faced financial hurdles due to the overwhelming participation during the holiday season. 

“Due to the …