Lawrencians ringing in the new year early Thursday morning can receive a safe ride home for free thanks to the holiday Tipsy Taxi service, coordinated by Douglas County Citizens Committee on Alcoholism, Inc.

Rather than getting behind the steering wheel drunk, Lawrence residents can call 785-842-8294 for a free ride home from midnight to 3 a.m. Thursday.

DCCCA began the Tipsy Taxi program 29 years ago and it continues to grow, said Jen Jordan, a DCCCA spokeswoman. In 2012, the program provided 688 people with rides and last year, 835 people used a Tipsy Taxi, Jordan said.

The program is funded by donations from local bars, restaurants, businesses and individual donors.