Melissa Donovan
In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners approved a contract with Freebee, a South Florida-based microtransit company, to bring a new on-demand transportation option to the area. The service is expected to launch in October 2025.
The approved plan includes an initial fleet of 35 Freebee vehicles, which will operate across various zones within the county. Similar to popular ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft, Freebee will provide flexible, on-demand transportation tailored to rider requests rather than fixed schedules or routes.
The agreement will cost the county approximately $5 million annually, in addition to a one-time setup fee. County officials emphasized that this investment represents a shift in local transit strategy, aiming to increase efficiency and meet growing demand for more adaptive public transportation options.
Currently, the county allocates $17 million each year to Lynx to support 11 fixed bus routes, two NeighborLink zones, and paratransit services. Following the board’s decision, Lynx will continue to operate select bus routes and all paratransit services, though some fixed routes will be phased out as Freebee begins operations.
Fare pricing for the Freebee service has not yet been determined. Commissioners plan to hold a public work session this summer with Freebee representatives and community members to discuss fare structures and gather input.
Weekly planning meetings between county leaders and Freebee are set to begin next week to coordinate service logistics and prepare for the October rollout.
This move marks a significant development in the county’s approach to public transportation, offering residents a new option designed to enhance accessibility and convenience.
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