Lyft, downtown businesses partner to give away free rideshare credits for the holidays

The fun that comes with New Year’s Eve means big business for downtown Nashville.

“It’s not about making money, or about getting as many people in bar as possible, it’s about making sure they have a great time, but also making it home safely,” said Kendall Morales, Events Director at Acme Feed & Seed.

That’s why dozens of downtown businesses, like Acme Feed & Seed, are partnering with Lyft to give away free ride credits to customers all December long.

The program is called Smart Rides and it gives $220 in rideshare credits to 50 establishments in downtown Nashville.

“We try to focus on people who really need it,” said Kendall Morales.

At Acme Feed & Seed, bartenders are the extra eyes and ears.

“We like to see, how are they talking? How are they doing this, how are they doing that? Are they stumbling?” said Morales. “And then in those situations managers will come and say, ‘Hey, we have this partnership with Lyft. Why don’t we get you a Lyft home?'”

“It’s almost a safety net for major events,” said District 19 Councilman Freddie O’Connell.

O’Connell said it’s a good alternative after the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office ended its free Sober Ride program.

“I can understand their decision to suspend it. On the other hand, we have to make sure we’re delivering on the safety component as a city,” said O’Connell.

According to Lyft, the average cost of a ride in Nashville is under $10, meaning the $10 credit code will cover most rides.

Ride Smart Participants:

Acme Feed & Seed

AJ’s Good Time Bar

Alley Taps

Bailey’s

BB King’s Blues Club

Benchmark Sports Bar Nashville

Big Shots

Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar

Broadway Brewhouse Downtown

Buffalo’s Nashville