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Microtransit debate stalls: St. Pete Beach rejects proposed fare and resident-priority plan, 3-2
Summary
After a presentation of ridership and cost figures, the commission rejected a motion to institute a $3 per-ride fare with resident exemptions and a $50 annual pass pilot for Freebee microtransit. The vote failed 3-2; commissioners and residents debated advertising revenue, terminal needs and equity for workers.
Freebee, the city’s contracted microtransit provider, presented ridership and cost data to the commission on Jan. 14, 2025, and answered questions about vehicle staging, charging infrastructure and advertising revenue. Following the presentation a motion to implement a pilot fare and resident-priority system failed on a 3-2 vote.
What was proposed: Freebee CEO Jason Spiegel told the commission the service had carried roughly 117,000 riders in recent years and that the city’s cost per rider fell from $8.06 in 2020 to $4.58 in the most recent fiscal year. Spiegel said the service expanded from one vehicle in 2019 to four vehicles citywide and noted persistent operating costs for vehicles, insurance and technology regardless of season. He suggested three levers the city could use to reduce net cost: sell vehicle advertising, institute fares for non-resident riders,…
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