Sober shuttle offers cheap ride home

Many of us have been stuck without a ride for one reason or another. If you are an Ashland resident and you find yourself in this situation, you may be in luck. Jeffrey Hayes, sophomore and theater-business major at SOU runs the “Sober Shuttle” for those who may have had too much to drink or simply find themselves in need of transportation on the weekends.

Jeffrey started this “business” in September 2010 after he was frequently called on by his friends for a ride, he decided this could be a service he offered to other students as well. Wanting everything to be as legitimate as possible Jeffrey checked into what he would need to make this work and got his commercial driving class license. Because this is a non-profit shuttle he did not need to get a business license and therefore doesn’t require a certain fee, as it is based solely on donation. He did, however, register with the City of Ashland as an Unincorporated Association.

Making money is not the reason Hayes runs this shuttle. His concern is getting people to where they need to go safely. One major reason he does this is for women who do not feel comfortable walking home and may not have an alternative option. This shuttle will not bring people to parties or bars, only from them to their final destination.

Hayes lives on campus, so he doesn’t drive much, which saves him gas money for the weekends to run this shuttle in addition to him working odd jobs and getting donations to help pay for gas. He stays in the Ashland City limits as to help get as many people to where they need to go as possible, it is a time issue not a money issue.

The shuttle does not run during spring and winter break, which he lets his clients know by posting the information on Facebook and leaving a new voicemail message. Finals week can be a stressful time for many, thus the shuttle does run all week long during the nights.

The Sober Shuttle is a safety net experience, Hayes ask that people plan accordingly and get a designated driver if possible.

Sober Shuttle number: 1 (425) 577-4705

Hours: Weekends 9:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m.

 

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