"Nassau County - Long Island, New York"

Legislator Howard J. Kopel reminded residents today to take advantage of the “Holiday Free Ride Taxi Initiative” announced by County Executive Ed Mangano and Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey this past week.

The “Holiday Free Ride Taxi Initiative” is a public service of local taxi companies throughout Nassau and Eastern Queens providing free taxi rides for individuals who had too much to drink at a holiday celebration. The public service includes a ride home after the party and an additional free ride back to the driver’s car the next day.

“The “Holiday Free Ride Taxi Initiative” will prevent people from driving while intoxicated and prevents holiday celebrations from ending in tragedy or arrest,” says Legislator Howard Kopel. ““This is a lifesaving idea that I fully support and appreciate,” says Legislator Kopel.

Legislator Kopel urges all Nassau County residents to take advantage of this valuable public service. “If you need a free ride home after drinking at a local tavern, bar, restaurant or catering hall from December 14th, 2010 to January 1, 2011, call (516) 326-9090,” he says.

Legislator Kopel also urges drivers to remember that, “this free ride offer removes any possible reason to drive while intoxicated. “If you drive drunk in Nassau County, you will be arrested.”

The taxi companies offering free rides to prevent deadly accidents due to drunk driving are:

* Ollie’s Taxi & Airport Service

* All Island Transportation

* Taxi Latino

* Luxury Transportation

* Glen Belle Car Service

* Deluxe Transportation