Suburban tow truck driver offers free rides on New Year's Eve

ISLAND LAKE, Ill. (WLS) -- Many people are making final preparations for their New Year's Eve celebrations, but before the party gets started, you might want to consider how you'll get home.

It will be a busy night for tow truck drivers at Sharp Towing in Island Lake.

"I think it's going to be hectic and I'm ready for it," said Matt Farmet, a tow truck driver.

"It's always a long night, some of the bars have hours extended so we go until 3, 4, 5 o'clock in the morning," said Louie Sharp, a tow truck driver.

Sharp Towing offers free tows and rides to those who have too much to drink around Island Lake and Wauconda area.

Each New Year's Eve Sharp Towing has employees and volunteers helping them transport those who have been over-served. Some New Year's Eves, they get as many as 50 people home safely.

Sharp, the company's owner, started this New Year's Eve tradition after a friend's family was hit by a drunk driver several years ago.

"Sometimes just one little thing can make a big difference," he said. "And I think this is that one little thing that can make a big difference."

If you are paying for a lift using Uber on New Year's Eve, know that demand will be high as will the cost.

• Surge pricing for Uber will be in effect
• Request a fare quote
• Request notification when the surge has ended likely after 2:30 a.m.

In Chicago, revelers can get a free ride.

The CTA offers fare-free service starting at 10 p.m. And there will be added trains and buses to help move riders to and from their destinations.

"It's a way to say thank you, encourage them to take safe transportation," said Tammy Chase, CTA. "Don't drive. It's a hassle to get a cab. It's an easy way to get you where you need to go."

The CTA'S free service goes through 4 a.m.