Drink & dryft

   Providing El Paso with a party-environment limousine, the Dryft Party buses have recently attracted UTEP students. According to owner, Elliot Knoch, the business opened on August of 2009 and since then it has slowly but effectively become well-known with their slogan, “Don’t drink and drive, drink and dryft.”

“Currently we are having five to 10 reservations per week, that includes the 18 and 36 passenger buses together,” Knoch said. “We already have reservations in November and the majority of the renters, I would say, are UTEP students; which are often taken to downtown or Cincinnati Avenue.”

Janene Rojas, sophomore communication studies major, has been invited to be part of the limousine experience twice, and said that it was a blast to ride in.

“What made it a great experience was the environment, not only is it a convenient way to travel on your night out, but the music is definitely on point,” Rojas said. “The vibrant lights and amenities that were provided, contributed for a very exciting night.”

Both party buses include club quality laser lights and sound system, an iPod connection, a flat screen TV, built in coolers for beverages and a fiber optic color changing dance pole.

“I wasn’t personally offended by the poles, merely for stability while the bus was in motion, is what I’m assuming they were put in for,” Rojas said. “They did help for balance, I didn’t witness anyone using them appropriately.”

The 36-passenger bus also includes some additional features such as a VIP room for six, two additional flat screen televisions, two dance poles and two fog machines, Knoch said.

“It’s a lot fancier than our generic party bus, which only carries up to 18 people. That one is specifically reserved for Quinceañeras, graduation parties, birthdays, prom and bachelorette parties,” Knoch said.

According to Knoch, rates range from $140-$180 for a minimum of three hours. Buses can be rented with a deposit of $100 for the 18-passenger bus or $200 for the 36-passenger bus.

“We offer the best rates compared to our other competitors, I think this is the reason why people keep coming back and reserving the bus for a second time,” Knoch said.

Knoch mentioned that the fee includes three different destinations, not including pick up and drop off addresses. Additional destinations after three will be subject to an additional fee.

“Rates are absolutely affordable and fair for the amenities and services that they are providing,” said Erick Saucedo, junior psychology major. “They often offer specials and discounts depending on the day and amount of time the bus is being rented for.”

Saucedo said that as long as all riders split the cost, it is not a bad deal for a night around town.

Although passengers have permission to drink alcohol inside the party bus, the chauffeur is very strict about prohibiting alcohol to anyone who is not 21 and older, Knoch said.

“Chauffeurs are very professional about this particular issue,” Knoch said. “If the chauffeur notices that a teenager under 21 is drinking he will immediately stop the bus and end the ride.”

Knoch said that they do this to prevent any accidents and to keep the party bus safe.

“I appreciated the chauffeur for being professional at his job, he was very strict about carding everyone who entered the bus,” Rojas said. “This kept the experience as safe as possible.”

Saucedo also said that the Dryft Party Bus provided a safe atmosphere.

“I’ve never felt any reason to worry about anyone’s safety while riding on any of the Dryft buses,” Saucedo said. “All the drivers that have driven my friends previously were very professional and took the safest routes possible.”

Apart from the drinking policy, Saucedo said that compared to the other party buses that he has ridden in, the Dryft Party buses are held to a higher standard than any of their competitors he has seen in town.

“I’ve ridden on Diego Contreras’ party bus before, but I definitely prefer the Dryft buses,” Saucedo said. “They have the best quality rides in my opinion, from the sound system to the upholstery and lighting.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/pages/Dryft-Party-Bus, or dryftpartybuses.com
Andrea Acosta may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.