No Free Uber’s Because El Paso DA Forgot?

The El Paso District Attorney's office lost out on a grant that would have offered free Uber rides to inebriated drivers because they didn't apply for it.

The "Pick Your Ride" program was funded by grants from the Texas Department of Transportation. Last year, El Paso got $75K to use to pay part, if not all, of the Uber fee for taking an impaired driver home safely instead of they themselves getting behind the wheel.

That money ran out last September and the program won't be re - funded in 2026 because the El Paso DA's office didn't ask for it.

"Pick Your Ride" Program Won't Be Renewed In El Paso

TxDOT provides entities the opportunity to apply for General Traffic Safety Grants to support the goals and strategies of TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Program to reduce the number of motor vehicle related crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries in Texas. TxDOT did not receive a submission from the 34th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the request for proposal (RFP) for FY 2026 or FY 2027. The next opportunity to apply is anticipated to open in November for FY 2028 funding. - kfox

Why Didn't The El Paso DA's Office Apply?

According to kfox, the DA's office said TXDoT had not offered or opened any new applications. Then, apparently, they changed their story, saying that there was no application filed because "applications were due before the current administration took office". Please, hold the jokes about what else "DA" could stand for.

READ MORE: Where The Most DWI Busts Happen In El Paso 

TXDoT said the next application period will be in November and the El Paso DA's office said they will apply. Stats show that there were 558 alcohol-related crashes in 2025 and there had been 225 as of last April.

Clearly, a program that helps keep drunk drivers off the road is badly needed in El Paso.