City Offering "Safe" Package Deals Downtown

Area restaurants are teaming up to keep people safe after a night out.

It's all part of a program that's designed to boost business in downtown Springfield.

One of the biggest concerns people typically have is when heading out for the night, is how to get home.

Now, there's a new option that bundles it all together.

The urban districts alliance is partnering with 16 restaurants to offer package deals that include money for heading out, plus the option of a cab ride to and from downtown.

There are three separate packages being offered through the Urban Districts Alliance.

The other packages include money for food, entertainment, or shopping and other perks like priority reservations or free parking.

Bar owners tell us they really like the fact that one of the packages includes the cab fare.

"Well that was a big part of it, and that's something that we've really been trying to get people convinced to do anyways for quite a while, is to take cabs downtown, and take cabs back home,” says Eric Zackrison of Patton Alley Pub.  “There's a lot to do downtown, there's a lot of fun to be had. That way you don't have to worry about hurting anybody, or getting a dui, or any of that. You can just come downtown, you know you've got a ride home. It's all one package deal. It's just kind of sets you up."

In addition to those 16 restaurants, there are also five retailers and five entertainment venues that are part of these package deals.

They range in price from $50 all the way up to $200, and the pricier ones including more discounts.

If you'd like more information or to order one of these packages, click here .