Designated driver and shuttle service debuts in Cabarrus
Late Saturday night, a Kannapolis police officer inquired about a van of seven people who were on their way home from a bar. Instead of panicking, the passengers expressed relief to their driver, Ric Starnes.
“Everybody was very grateful, and said, ‘We’re glad you’re driving,’” Starnes said. “I’m glad he did pull me. It just emphasizes my mission even more.”
Starnes is the founder of On The Wagon, a designated driver and airport shuttle service in Cabarrus County. He began the service in December 2008 and has just finished the first month of steady business.
Part of the reason that he has had more customers is because of the 15 local restaurants and bars that have partnered with On The Wagon to offer their customers another way to get home after drinking alcohol.
“It offers a service, and their customers know if they have too much to drink, they have an alternative,” Starnes said.