As midnight passes and people everywhere are staggering out of bars and house parties into 2018, there comes a challenge. You may have waited 15 minutes to get that last cocktail, but patience wears thin pretty quickly when you find yourself on the street wondering how to get home. Here are the best options.
Taxis
Cab companies make it clear that pre-booking cars is not a thing: NYE runs on a first call, first serve basis. But rather than listen to a phone ring forever, we like the visual illusion of progress provided by the two taxi apps in town, Casino Taxi and Yellow Cab Halifax. Pro tip: Before you can hail a cab with an app, you have to register as a user. Do that now, before you're cold and buzzed on a sidewalk, trying to type the same thing for "Password" and "Confirm Password."
Free spirits may want to avoid the whole formal dispatch scene and try to hail an empty cab on the street. And for serious pre-planners, there are rumours of a taxi black market, where you can book a driver in advance, despite what the companies say. To build the bond this requires, take a cab on New Year's Eve eve and broach the subject. If you come across as the type of person who won't puke in a cab, and the driver is interested in your bribe (gratuity!), you may be able to line up a guaranteed NYE lift.
Uber
We don't know why there no Uber in Halifax, but there is no Uber in Halifax. And complaining about it at 3am isn't going to make it happen.
Transit
Halifax Transit is always the MVP of NYE transportation, offering special services that include free rides and extra, late-running buses. Although the details haven't been confirmed yet for this year, the folks at 311 assure us Transit will be there to help you make a smooth trip from 2017 to 2018.
Don't go home
To really splurge, get a nice hotel room and live it up. However, if you already blew your budget on a pack of beer that comes with a free hat, ask your friends if you can sleep over. If all the beds and couches are taken, maybe find a comfy rug or put a few pillows in the bathtub.
Your responsible friend
The one-night taxi service is a good trend. A Facebook friend posts a status saying that they will be staying sober for NYE and to message them to book a ride. What could be better than a round trip with an old friend you maybe haven't seen in awhile? But puke in this car and you'll be hearing about it on social media forever.
Sneaker power
Summer's rickshaws, segways and Harbour Hopper may be done for the season, but as a desperate measure you can try to rekindle the summer spirit by walking home. Whatever you do, don't drink and drive.
