Many turning to apps to get home on New Year's Eve

ATLANTA — There are more safe driving alternatives than ever before for Atlantans celebrating the New Year.

Smartphone apps like Uber, Lyft, Taxi Magic and Sedan Magic make it very easy to order a ride on your phone.

Uber has grown significantly in Atlanta since last New Year's Eve. Keith Radford, the Atlanta general manager, told Channel 2's Craig Lucie he has 20 times the drivers of last year.  This year he's offering first-time users $40 off their ride.

"It's going to be crazy. New Year's Eve is our biggest night," Radford said. "In a city where everyone is driving, drunk driving is an issue on New Year's Eve. People have taken to what we bring to the city."

Uber offers a low cost option called UberX, but if you have a group of four or more you'll need an SUV, which could cost 30 to 40 percent more.

Gillian, a driver for Lyft, expects the biggest night in the history of the company. The company features drivers who have gone through a background check and can pick you up for less than the cost of cab fare.

"It (Lyft) is more of a community feel. They encourage you to take on hours if you can," Gillian told Lucie.

Police are discouraging people from trying to use any sort of blood-alcohol calculator app to decide if they can drive.

WSBTV