In its third year, the Fiesta Safe ride program has shown signs of success.
It gives Fiesta goers discounted cab rides to and from Fiesta events up to $20.
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Last year, no DWI fatalities were reported during Fiesta and so far none have been reported this year. However, not everyone has been happy with how the program operates.
"I have to tell them that I don't have any vouchers and I'm not going to get any," said independent cab driver Guy Bourne, when speaking about his customers.
Bourne said cab drivers are having a hard time getting their hands on the vouchers, making it hard for them to participate in the program, and give patrons discounted rides.
"There are drivers I know that have vouchers and are using them, but there's only a hand full of them," said Bourne.
The Texas Department of Transportation, who runs the Fiesta Safe ride program, made wholesale changes to how it is run this year.
In the past, cab companies handed out vouchers on their own and were reimbursed by TX-DOT. The process resulted in a busted budget.
"We don't want to go over budget and so we have to manage those vouchers carefully," said Samuel Aguirre, Traffic Safety Specialist with TX-DOT.
The budget for the Safe ride program is $69,500, some of which is taxpayer money, with the remainder from corporate sponsors.
As a result, only 4,375 vouchers are available. That means not all cab drivers may get them and not everyone is going to get a discounted ride.
This year, TxDOT also restricted the use of the vouchers to 12 Fiesta events. The events chosen were those with high alcohol sales.
TxDOT is also holding vouchers back so they will last through all of Fiesta. Last year, the vouchers ran out early.
Whether discounted or not, cab ride sales are up and remains the best alternative for many who attend Fiesta.
"It's still a lot cheaper than paying for that DWI that could cost up to $17,000," said Aguirre.
Bourne agreed, but had lost confidence that the program is working.
"I think it has in years past, but it's not going to help it this year, because of the inability to use the vouchers," said Bourne.
As of Wednesday afternoon, more vouchers were released to taxi cab companies participating, and Bourne told KSAT 12 he was able to secure some for his customers.
According to TxDOT, no more vouchers will be released until the allocation is used up.