Since time immemorial — well, at least since F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald summered here, guzzling bootleg gin and carousing in their motorcar up and down South Compo — Westport has had a difficult relationship with drinking and driving.
We don’t condone it, of course — particularly now, in the post-Mad Men era, when we all know its dangers.
But after a night at a party, restaurant or bar, none of us may be in condition to drive. Local taxis have sketchy reputations. And not many parents will call their kids for a ride.
Enter Uber.
When you need a car, you click on the app. GPS pinpoints your exact location, and estimates how long before a car gets to you.
You can select car types: a black car or SUV. UberX is the least expensive: usually a Toyota Camry or something similar. You can also rate your driver.
Uber operates in over 70 large cities — and, for the past couple of months, Westport.
A longtime local businessman — who requested anonymity — used it Friday night to return home from a party.
It cost $7 — including tip. (Uber says, however, there is “no need to tip.”)
He told a few friends. The next night, they texted Uber too.
3 screen shots from Uber in San Francisco.
They report that their cars were nice and clean. The drivers were pleasant. It’s a great economic opportunity for them to operate here, the Westport rider says.
“It’s great,” he adds. “You don’t have to worry about having that extra glass of wine. Once the word spreads, our roads will be much safer. And the parties more fun!”
Somewhere in that great speakeasy in the sky, F. Scott and Zelda are smiling.