The Bell Ringer

Issue date: 4/28/09 Section: Arts & Life

Put the keys back in your pocket, pick up the phone and call Zingo. A new company in Augusta is keeping people safe on the roadways by providing a solution to drunk driving.



The grand opening of Zingo, Augusta's newest transportation service, was March 21 by owners Travis Gamble and Turner Simkins.


With locations in more than eight states, Zingo has been rising in popularity because of its personalized service.



The company provides a customer with a ride home, in their own car, should they be intoxicated, too tired to drive or just wanting to test out the services. Founders of the company, Jim Valentine and Charles Barfield, started the corporation in Atlanta in October 2005.



According to the Zingo Web site, "They founded Zingo to give people a viable option to the No.1 reason people make the bad decision to drink and drive - leaving their car behind."



Employee David Walker of Augusta explained that some employees are stationed around town at night, making themselves accessible to people in need. You may have seen them already. Wearing orange vests and traveling on small orange motorbikes, they are a hard bunch to miss.



The motorbikes used by Zingo employees are revolutionary in themselves.



These bikes weigh approximately 65 pounds, fold up and fit into a compact case for easy carrying and storing should an employee need to assist a customer with a car-ride home.



The Di Blasi (motorbike) only reaches speeds up to 30 mph but get 90 miles to a three-quarter gallon tank. Walker said employees are trained to operate the motorbikes. All drivers are insured just in case anything should happen.



Should a customer need a pickup in a location farther than the motorbikes can travel, have no fear. Zingo also has a chase car used when traveling long distances. Prices for non-members are currently a $20 pickup fee and $3 per mile after that.



Need a chauffer? Zingo also provides this service with a minimum limit of two hours. Become a Zingo member and you can receive discounted rates.



Membership details can be found on the Zingo Web site.



Zingo's hours of operation are 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday services end at midnight. Get your safe ride home by calling 877-50-ZINGO.

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