Seminole County to pilot Freebee ‘Scout’ microtransit; soft launch set for September, full deployment by Oct. 15

The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners heard a detailed briefing on the county’s planned microtransit service — branded “Scout powered by Freebee” — including operations, fare design plans and a phased launch timetable. Freebee CEO Jason Spiegel and Vice President Claudia Muro said the program will launch with 35 vehicles divided into five primary service zones and a countywide flex zone. "This program is gonna start with 35 vehicles. There will be 5 primary zones," Spiegel told the board, and he walked commissioners through proposed hours and rider features. The company described the operating plan and rider experience: most trips will be booked through the Freebee mobile app (Apple and Google Play); customers without smartphones can call the Ride dispatch line. Vehicles planned include Volkswagen ID.Buzz (electric, six passengers) and hybrid Toyota Sienna vehicles with wheelchair access. Freebee said vehicles will be W-2 employees with company-provided ambassador training. Key operating details given to the board: - Fleet and zones: 35 vehicles; five named zones (Monroe, Lake Mary,…