By Matthew Hersh

The Princeton Police Department has received “several generous donations” that have allowed the department to restart its successful “Princeton PD Provides Your DD” program, aimed at lowering rates of impaired driving. The program, launched nearly three years ago, was funded by donations from the Policeman’s Benevolent Association Local 130, the Princeton Police Department, and private donations from community members.

Funding became depleted at the end of 2025, but Princeton Police Chief Matthew Solovay announced the program’s relaunch at the Princeton Council meeting on January 27. “Earlier in 2025, the funds originally used to launch the program were fully exhausted,” he said. “While this clearly demonstrated that the community was actively and appropriately utilizing this progressive public safety initiative, the lack of available funding required the program to be temporarily suspended.”

The program was restored in time for New Year’s Eve, he said.

Princeton PD Provides Your DD partners with the ride sharing service Uber to help eliminate drunk driving within Princeton, allowing patrons of Princeton bars and restaurants to scan a QR code to receive a free ride home up to a $15 value.

The QR code will be active at all participating locations on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings during the hours of 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., with a destination or drop off location within the town of Princeton. The QR code can be found on posters at the below listed participating locations, or one can scan the QR code beforehand and it will be applied to their next eligible ride.

“We have already seen residents taking advantage of this valuable public safety service,” said Solovay. “We will continue to partner with everyone to keep Princeton safe. This program is a great example of a community, elected leadership, and the police department working together for a shared goal of public safety.”

The initiative was developed by the Princeton Police Department’s Traffic Safety Bureau as part of a broader effort to focus on prevention rather than enforcement alone. “While DWI enforcement remains essential, the department sought a proactive solution that could reduce risk before a violation or crash occurred, said Solovay.

The PPD explored a partnership with Uber, which was “ultimately selected as the most practical and effective option,” Solovay added.

Participating locations in Princeton include Roots Ocean Prime, Agricola Eatery, Mistral, Yankee Doodle Tap Room, Conte’s Pizza, Teresa’s Pizza/Wine Bar, Witherspoon Grill, Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar, The Meeting House, The Perch at Peacock Inn, Mediterra Restaurant & Taverna, Ivy Inn, Metro North, Alchemist & Barrister, McCarter Theatre Center, Triumph Brewing Company, and The Dinky Bar & Kitchen.

“Princeton is committed to preventing harm before it happens. The Princeton PD Provides your DD program reflects a practical, community-minded approach. We want people to enjoy Princeton responsibly, and we want everyone, residents and visitors alike, to get home safely,” said Solovay.”It’s also an example of police-community partnership where prevention, problem-solving, and public safety are shared priorities. For the past two years, this program has provided more than 900 safe rides home.We want to continue to be able to do that.”

Solovay said the police department continues to explore sustainable funding options to support the long-term viability of this program; however, identifying consistent and reliable funding sources has proven challenging.