The popularity of paid designated drivers is picking up

Arthur Simanovsky’s frustration with the high cost of a taxi led him to launch Be My Designated Driver, a more affordable transportation service that has recently become available in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers and Naples.

The service, begun last year in Ohio by Simanovsky, 23, and another recent college graduate, Alexa Milkovich, 24, has already expanded to nine states.

Simanovsky, who lives near Cleveland, said he used to pay $60 for a cab ride downtown to enjoy food and drinks with his friends. Though expensive, he said he still preferred to spend the money than to drive home after a night out drinking.

That’s what led to BeMyDD.