At a Glance
- Austin rolls out a Get Home Safely program for New Year’s Eve.
- The city offers a parking ticket waiver for those who prove a safe ride home.
- Night Owl buses run midnight-to-3 a.m. for just $1.25.
Why it matters: Residents can enjoy the celebration without the risk of a parking fine or unsafe driving.
With Christmas behind them, Austin is gearing up for one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year. City officials have unveiled a comprehensive Get Home Safely program to help residents stay safe and avoid costly parking tickets.
Get Home Safely Program Overview
The program gives drivers a chance to waive parking citations if they can show proof of a responsible ride home. Proof may include a taxi, rideshare, or public transit receipt, and must be submitted by the next business day. The waiver form and instructions are available online.
- Submit the waiver form by the next business day after receiving the citation.
- Upload dated proof of a responsible ride home.
- Upload a copy of the parking citation.
Joel Meyer stated:
> We don’t want the threat of a parking ticket to lead people to make poor decisions. If you do find yourself out drinking, we want to make sure that you are incentivized to take a different mode home.
Transit Options for New Year’s Eve
Austin’s transit provider, CapMetro, offers low-cost Night Owl buses that run from midnight to 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Students from the University of Texas and Austin Community College ride for free with a student ID. In addition, electric bikes and scooters from Bird and Lime are available citywide, and traditional taxis and ridesharing services remain an option.
| Mode | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Night Owl Bus | $1.25 | Midnight-3 a.m., Mon-Sat |
| CapMetro Student Ride | Free | Requires student ID |
| Bird / Lime | Varies | Citywide, 24 h |
| Taxi / Rideshare | Variable | 24 h |
With about 3,000 downtown public parking spots, the waiver program is a year-long initiative aimed at encouraging responsible driving during the holiday rush.
Key Takeaways
- Residents can waive parking tickets by proving a safe ride home.
- Night Owl buses cost $1.25 and are available until 3 a.m.
- Micromobility options and rideshares provide additional safe transport choices.
By combining a parking ticket waiver with affordable transit options, Austin is helping its citizens celebrate safely and responsibly this New Year’s Eve.
