A New West pub has launched a free shuttle service to and from its

 establishment in effort to curb drinking and driving.

Calvin Basran, owner of Frankie G's in Queensborough,

 rolled out the service to locals late last week.

"It's been on my radar for a long time. It's a first-of-it's-kind in the city.

 All you do is give us a call and we'll come right to where you are.

You come down here and enjoy yourself and we'll make sure you get home OK,

" he told the Record. "The only area we don't service is Sapperton because it's a bit far."

According to Basran, the total cost of setting up the program, 

which included buying an eight-seater van and hiring a driver, hovers around the $30,000 mark.

"I have no problem spending the money, the main thing is safety. 

You don't want to see anybody drinking and driving," he said

, adding he's heard a lot of stories about people losing their jobs

 after losing their driver's license.

Another motivation behind Basran's decision to start up the service 

was the pub's unique location, at 305 Ewen Ave.

"We're a hidden gem in New West. We have a lot to offer,

 but nobody wants to cross the bridge and drink and drive," he said.

Meanwhile, the smiling face behind the wheel of the van is 47-year-old Alex Gordon, 

who Basran called "the nicest guy in the world."

"He's very conversational and a man you can trust. 

That was extremely important to us, to find the right person people feel comfortable with."

Gordon told the Record the first weekend was a little slow in terms of clientele,

 but expects that to change as word gets out.

"I found people just love it because they're getting a ride.

 What they love most is that we're willing to come to their door, 

which is something new for a lot of people," he said.

The service runs Thursday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. until close.

 To get a ride, call 604-328-6511.