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While Uber may spike their prices during peak hours of debauchery, fear not young penny-pinchers, Long Beach Transit (LBT) announced Thursday that they will offer free rides on New Year’s Eve starting at 5:00PM. The service will be extended as late as 2:35AM on New Year’s morning, with routes leaving the Transit Gallery on First Street between Long Beach Boulevard and Pine Avenue. No special coupon or ticket is required to hop on.

The promotion is a valiant effort to encourage the Long Beach community to take public transportation to and from festivities instead of drinking and driving. The free service was made possible in part by the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA), to highlight their New Year’s Eve family-friendly celebration, set to include fireworks at Rainbow Harbor and a street party on Pine Avenue.

“We want everyone to be safe out there this New Year’s Eve,” said Debra Johnson, LBT’s Deputy CEO, in a statement. “Take LBT for free, enjoy your time and welcome in the New Year!”

For party-goers traveling between Los Angeles and Long Beach, the LA Metro Blue Line will also be free on New Year’s Eve from 9:00PM until 2:00AM on New Year’s Day. The Downtown Long Beach Metro Station will be closed from 7:00PM to 3:00AM, so make sure to use the First Street Station on the corner of First Street and Long Beach Boulevard instead.

The last buses running extended service will leave the Transit Gallery at 2:35AM. Some bus routes during the extended service hours will be shortened, so customers are encouraged to plan their trip early by calling LBT’s friendly customer service team at 562.591.2301 Monday through Friday, 7:00AM to 6:00PM, Saturday 8:00AM to 5:00PM, or by visiting the Transit & Visitor Information Center at First Street & Pine Avenue in downtown Long Beach.

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Transit assistance from a live person will be available in downtown Long Beach during the New Year’s Eve festivities, and regular route information is available 24/7 on the website, here

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].