After four years of service, the Martin Police Department’s Safety Bus will once again be delivering New Year’s Eve party-goers to and from popular destinations.

Although an official schedule has not yet been released, the bus typically runs from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. The bus will be making regular stops at popular locations such as Church St and Cheer’s.

“The purpose of the Safety Bus is to keep people from drinking alcoholic beverages and driving a vehicle on New Years Eve,” said Martin Chief of Police David Moore.

Moore went on to say, “This will be our fourth year of operation. I think it has been very effective, I can only recall one alcoholic related wreck on New Year’s Eve. Last year, approximately 300 people used the service. I think the numbers speak for themselves.”

The Safety Bus was given to the city of Martin by the United States Air Force in 2000. Volunteer Distributors is partnering with the city of Martin by purchasing fuel, advertising and sign displays to promote the bus.

“When it was first introduced, I was a little skeptical as to whether anyone would take the program seriously, but a lot of party goers have really taken advantage of it,” Moore said.

If someone needs a ride, they simply need to call 587-5355, MPD’s non-emergency communications line.

Moore offers this advice to those planning on using the service, “If you call for a ride, be patient, there is only one bus and we have many places to go.”