Free Uber Discount Returns for New Year's, Reduces Drunk Driving

The "Take a Ride on Us" program is active from December 29, 2025 at 10 a.m. through midnight on January 3, 2026, giving residents of Bernalillo, Sandoval and Santa Fe counties a $10 credit on two Uber rides when they enter the voucher code NMNYE25 in the voucher section of the Uber app. A total of 2,500 rides are available across the three counties on a first come, first served basis. The credit applies to Uber rides only, not Uber Eats, and it does not cover driver tips.

Organizers include Cumulus Media Albuquerque, the Bernalillo County Department of Behavioral Health Services, the Sandoval County DWI Program, the Santa Fe County DWI Program, Glasheen Valles and Inderman Injury Lawyers, Sandia Resort and Casino and the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The partnership frames the program as a harm reduction measure to reduce impaired driving over the holiday period by expanding low cost ride options during a time when alcohol related crashes historically increase.

For Sandoval County residents the program offers an immediate, practical option to avoid driving after parties or late night events. Many communities in the county face limited public transportation at night, making rideshare options a critical safety net. Because the credit is limited to 2,500 rides statewide, residents should enter the code and request rides early if they hope to use the credit. Users also should plan for any remaining out of pocket costs, including tips, which the credit does not cover.

The initiative highlights both strengths and shortfalls of short term prevention programs. Coordination between county DWI programs, behavioral health officials, private sponsors and the state Department of Transportation demonstrates cross sector commitment to public safety. At the same time the reliance on a smartphone app and a fixed pool of credits may leave low income residents and those without easy internet access underserved. Long term reduction in impaired driving will require sustained investment in late night transit, community education and policies that address underlying issues such as substance use and limited rural mobility.

As the holiday period continues, residents should plan safe travel now, enter NMNYE25 in the Uber app if they are eligible and be aware that program credits may run out. Local health and safety officials say combining ride credits with personal planning can reduce crashes and save lives this New Year season.