Student government instituted the Safe Ride program, which began its pilot phase Monday, to curb drunk driving and to keep students safe, said Anup Dashputre, chairman of student services for student government.
The program includes a revised Point-2-Point bus route and the distribution of business cards containing taxi and P2P information to Chapel Hill bars and clubs.
The new P2P route will include two new stops on Franklin Street -- one on the corner of Franklin and Henderson streets and one in front of Varsity Theatre.
Dashputre said the old route was flawed because the P2P was neglecting the main part of Franklin Street.
The business cards will be displayed in prominent locations at the bars and clubs on East Franklin and Rosemary streets.
"We just gave it to the bars along the new P2P route, but the long-term goal is to get it to every bar and club in Chapel Hill," Dashputre said.
Bennett LaPrade, owner of Pantana Bob's on West Rosemary Street, said his business received the cards and placed them next to the telephone.
LaPrade said that while some students might opt not to utilize the program, he hopes it will help them make better choices. "Some people are going to be hardheaded, but you can offer it," he said.
The program is not just for people who have been drinking, LaPrade added. "I'm concerned about anyone I see walking around late at night."
