Albuquerque: $10 Uber Rides Available for Valentine’s & Mardi Gras

Residents of Bernalillo and Sandoval counties in New Mexico have a new option for a safe ride home during Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras celebrations. The “Take a Ride on Us” program, a public-private partnership, is offering discounted Uber rides from February 13th through February 18th.

The program aims to reduce impaired driving during a period when alcohol consumption is typically higher. Riders within the designated counties can apply a discount code – “BIGFEB26” – within the Uber app, specifically in the “Vouchers” section, to receive up to $10 off two separate rides. The offer is capped at the first 1,500 uses and is valid only for Uber rides, excluding Uber Eats orders and driver tips.

This isn’t a new initiative. Launched in 2017, Take a Ride on Us has, according to program data, already facilitated over 80,000 safe rides across the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The program’s continued operation highlights a sustained commitment from local authorities and Uber to address the risks associated with driving under the influence.

The timing of the promotion coincides with two major events known for social gatherings and potential alcohol consumption: Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, and Mardi Gras, which falls on February 17th this year. The program’s duration extends slightly beyond these dates, covering the period from Friday, February 13th at 10:00 AM MST through Wednesday, February 18th at 2:00 AM MST, providing a safety net for celebrations spanning the entire weekend, and beyond.

The structure of the discount – $10 off two rides – suggests a deliberate attempt to cover both the outbound journey to an event and the return trip home. This approach addresses a common scenario where individuals might hesitate to call a ride-sharing service for the return leg of their journey, potentially leading to risky decisions. The first-come, first-served limitation introduces an element of urgency, encouraging riders to utilize the discount promptly.

The program’s success relies heavily on user awareness of the discount code and its proper application within the Uber app. The “Vouchers” section of the app is where users typically enter promotional codes, but the program’s effectiveness hinges on riders actively seeking out and utilizing this feature. Uber’s internal promotion of the code within the app itself will likely be a key factor in maximizing participation.

Bernalillo County’s commitment to reducing driving while intoxicated (DWI) extends beyond this specific promotion. The county’s Behavioral Health Authority website provides further information on broader DWI prevention efforts, indicating a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue. This suggests that Take a Ride on Us is one component of a larger strategy aimed at improving road safety and reducing alcohol-related incidents.

The Take a Ride on Us program represents a practical application of a public-private partnership to address a significant public safety concern. By leveraging the existing infrastructure of a ride-sharing service like Uber, the program provides a convenient and affordable alternative to driving under the influence. The limited-time nature of the offer, combined with the capped number of rides, creates a focused incentive for responsible behavior during a period when the risk of impaired driving is elevated. The program’s long-term impact will depend on continued funding, sustained user engagement, and ongoing evaluation of its effectiveness in reducing DWI incidents within Bernalillo and Sandoval counties.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and celebrate responsibly, taking advantage of the limited-time offer while rides are available. Further information regarding Bernalillo County’s DWI prevention efforts can be found on the county’s website.