Opration Nez Rouge sees drop in demand amid cold snap

Opration Nez Rouge says it had a successful season, even though figures are down from last year.

Thevolunteer service offers Quebec drivers a free ride home during the holiday season.

This year, it provideda total of just under 54,000rides,down about 5,000from the year before.

Just under 40,000volunteers helped drive party-goers home across Quebec3,000 less than last year.

Organizers say the cold weather had an impact on demand.

"Well, actually, a lot of people stayed at home," saidJean-Marie DeKoninck, president ofOprationNezRouge.

De Konink pointedout, as well, that the drive-home service had a shorter season this time around. It was in operation for 31 days, compared to last year's 37.