JUPITER, Fla. — The town of Jupiter launched a pilot program with Uber, setting aside money to pay for people’s rides home on this July 4th holiday.
But it's already sold out sooner than expected. Now the town will examine the data to see if they can bring the program back for the next major holiday.
"You never know how things will go with the first time program like this," said Jupiter town councilman, Ilan Kaufer.
In a first-ever program with Uber in the state, Jupiter allocated $3,000 to cover Uber rides in effort to curb DUI arrests.
At 12 p.m. on Thursday, the town sent out a notification that the program had already sold out.
"I’m hoping that we can use this as an opportunity to expand these programs in the future," said Kaufer.
WPTV asked Councilman Kaufer what they would do differently next time. He said they plan to look at the data to figure that out.
"Whether we can expand this program per user using a different dollar amount, or a different time period that may allow us to reach a larger number of residents," Kaufer said.
Kaufer added that since this was a test run, the town wanted to start small.
"We wanted to be prudent with the use of taxpayer dollars for this type of program, so we wanted to use it on a smaller scale," Kaufer said. "I was initially cautious that we would even use the full $3,000, but it’s clear the public latched on to this type of program."
Those hanging out at local bars on Thursday said they hope to see the program come back.
"If they have the money to set aside and it’s not taking away from other programs that would need it, then i think it’s a great idea," said Jupiter resident Robert Moses.
Sharyn Allen lives in downtown Jupiter and said she worries about others.
"I live in this neighborhood, and a lot of times at night, we hear people that have had too much to drink," Allen said. "I think it’s a great idea that they’re not going to get behind the wheel and drive."
Despite the program ending early, Kaufer still wants drivers to be responsible.
"Tonight, if you’re going out, use a designated driver or ride sharing service if you’re drinking alcohol," Kaufer said.
The town will now analyze the data and could potentially set aside more money for rides in the future. But town leaders will have to vote on and approve that money from the general fund.
