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Kissimmee extends Freebee micro-transit contract amid rapid ridership growth
Summary
The commission approved a one-year extension of the Freebee micro-transit contract after staff reported dramatic ridership increases — from about 8,761 passengers in the program’s first year to roughly 25,000 in the most recent year — and said average wait times remain under 15 minutes.
The City Commission approved renewal of the city’s Freebee micro-transit contract for another year, a contract extension staff said would run from March 13, 2025 to March 13, 2026 and include a roughly 2% rate increase to cover insurance and labor costs.
Ashley Quinolfsen of the city’s Planning Division presented performance data showing rapid growth: Freebee carried about 8,761 passengers in its first year and increased to roughly 25,000 riders in the subsequent year. Quinolfsen said the service functions as a last-mile shuttle connecting the SunRail intermodal station with downtown destinations, Valencia College, the hospital on Orange Blossom Trail and, as of April, a grocery store on John Young Parkway. She said typical wait times were about 15 minutes or less.
Commissioners moved to approve the contract extension. Vice Mayor Angela Eadie made the motion; Commissioner Alvarez seconded. The motion was approved by voice vote.
Public commenter Jordan Rivera, who identified himself as a Kissimmee resident, praised the service and urged the city to consider expanding the service area to bring riders closer to home. City staff said they monitor fleet capacity and discuss potential expansions with Freebee every six to eight months; expanding the service area could require additional vehicles and funding.
