Thousands of New Yorkers will receive free cab rides home over New Years courtesy of US rapper Diddy.

The rapper is set to announce a partnership with the city Taxi & Limousine Commission that will see street teams hand out $15 debit cards to revelers.

The cards can be redeemed for a single cab ride, according to the New York Daily News.

Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, said: “New York is the world's most iconic New Year's Eve city, so let's lead by example and show everyone that a sophisticated holiday celebration doesn't just end when the ball drops, but when everyone gets home safely.”

The cards will be distributed in Times Square and Chelsea from 11pm tomorrow night (December 31st).

The offer will remain open until 3am on News Years Day, or until the cards have run out.

(by Jason Gregory)