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Law officers and business owners are urging people not to drink and drive this New Year's Eve, especially when city buses and taxi services will be increasing their staffing.

"We want people to be merry, but to do it safely," Steamboat Springs police Capt. Joel Rae said.

The police department plans to increase patrols New Year's Eve and Friday, when Hootie and the Blowfish will be playing at the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena, Rae said.

Officers will be looking for anything suspicious and for drivers who might be under the influence of alcohol, Rae said.

"Be responsible and plan ahead," he said. "We have all kinds of alternatives available, like taxis, the bus system and designated drivers," he said.

Officials at Alpine Taxi said they planned to have 20 additional drivers working from 11 p.m. New Year's Eve until 8 a.m. New Year's Day.

George Krawzoff, director of city transportation services, said he planned to increase the number of buses available Friday and Saturday.

New Year's Eve is the busiest day of the year for the buses, he said. Last year. More than 10,000 people took advantage of the free bus system, he said.

Krawzoff said he planned to add six buses to transport people from high-volume areas such as downtown and Ski Time Square. Instead of buses running hourly after 10:30 p.m. as usual, drivers will be operating on a tentative 30-minute schedule from 10:30 p.m. to about 2 a.m., he said.

Buses will continue running as long as there are riders, but Krawzoff said he doubted there would be much demand after bars close at 2 a.m.

"We know that with (the concert) and New Year's Eve that we are going to have quite a crowd," he said.

"We are going to do our best to get everyone home."

Barry Hoffman, a transit supervisor, recommended people know where they are staying so bus drivers don't have to waste time figuring out directions.

The Routt County Sheriff's Office also will increase patrols, especially on New Year's Eve.

Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Gary Meirose said that troopers also would be conducting saturation patrols during the holidays.

"We'll be working hard to keep our roads safe," he said.

Like Rae, Meirose stresses the importance of drinking responsibly and having a plan on getting home before going out.

"If you're going to drink, don't drive. In the end, it will save you a lot of heartache," he said.

-- To reach Alexis DeLaCruz, call 871-4234

or e-mail adelacruz@steamboatpilot.com