Uber has made it really easy to get yourself home safely after a night on the town, but what if your car is parked outside?
We’re gearing up for the summer party season and it’s a good idea to take note of the options to get your car home safely after a night out on the town.
According to Arrive Alive, any vehicle parked on a public road for longer than 24 hours could be removed, depending on the location and the situation. It’s better to take your car home with you after a night out, but not if you’ve been drinking. If there is no ‘Designated Dave’ on your team, a designated driver service comes in handy. They will drive you (and some friends) and your car home safely.
There are some established designated driver services in Cape Town, and several banks are also offering it as a value-added service.
EuropAssistance provides the Take Me Home service for FNB and Absa. If you don’t bank with them, you can try Scooter Angels (who no longer use scooters!)
FNB
Who is eligible? FNB Standalone Petro Cardholders and linked Private Client Credit Cardholders.
Where do they operate? Take Me Home drivers operate within a 50km radius the Cape Town city centre (and other cities.)
Benefits Six free trips each year for you and two guests for the same pick-up and drop-off points. If you have a larger vehicle, the number of guests increases proportionately to the number of seat belts available.
Additional charges After the initial six free trips, you may use the service at R450 (excluding VAT) per trip.
Operating hours Bookings are open until 1 am, seven days a week. You need to book 1–48 hours in advance depending on the day. Cancellations are accepted within 60 minutes of collection.
Be prepared Call 0861 643 278 and provide your details including your Petro Card Number and car registration number. More details here.
ABSA
Who is eligible? ABSA Gold, Platinum or Spouse Value Bundle account holders.
Where do they operate? The pick-up or drop-off point must be within the Cape Town metropolitan area (and other cities)
Benefits Six Take Me Home services each year for Gold Value Bundle or Spouse Value Bundle Account holders. Eight Take Me Home services each year for Platinum Value Bundle or Spouse Value Bundle Account holders. The service is available to you and up to two passengers, for the same pick-up and drop-off points.
Additional charges If you exceed the free trips, you may still use the service, but EuropAssistance SA will collect the fee.
Operating hours Book 48 hours in advance to guarantee a booking. You can book one hour in advance during off-peak periods and two hours in advance during peak periods, but you may have to wait an hour or two for your ride.
Be prepared If you are a Gold Value Bundle or Spouse Value Bundle account holder, call 0861 888 805
If you are a Platinum Value Bundle or Spouse Value Bundle account holder, call 0861 777 120
You’ll specify details and you’ll be contacted at the collection time after which you’ll have only 15 minutes to meet the driver. More details here.
Scooter Angels
Who may use the service? Scooter Angels is available to non-members, but members gain priority service. Details here.
Where do they operate? Cape Town and other cities.
Benefits Members gain a variety of benefits over non-members. Details here.
Operating hours
Monday and Tuesday: 7 pm – 2 am
Wednesday and Thursday: 7 pm – 3:30 am
Friday and Saturday: 4 pm – 3:30 am
Sunday and public holidays 3 pm – 2 am
The last Take Me Home call is taken one hour before closing. Bookings are available outside these hours by prior arrangement.
There is one to three hours waiting time. Pre-booking three hours in advance is preferable. Once your driver arrives, you have 15 minutes to meet the meet the driver after which there will be a surcharge.
Be prepared Sign up and become a member or non-members can call +27 87 233 8787
Party smart and stay safe, Cape Town!
Photography courtesy
