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County reports 35,000-plus Freebee riders in six months; commissioners favor renewal and possible Islamorada partnership
Summary
Monroe County and contractor Freebee reported more than 35,000 rides in six months of operation, with a per‑ride county cost below comparable programs. Commissioners directed staff to renew the contract for another year and explore a partnership to extend service to Islamorada, with staff to return with budget/configuration options.
Monroe County staff told commissioners on Wednesday the county’s on‑demand transit pilot, operated by Freebee under a contract that began in July and formally launched in August, logged more than 35,000 passenger trips through the end of 2024 and that about 85 percent of riders are local residents.
Richard Valle, county transit lead, said the service currently runs six vehicles seven days a week with a per‑ride county cost of about $8.52 under the current cost‑sharing arrangement; staff compared that cost favorably to other municipal on‑demand services and to more expensive launches in other Florida jurisdictions. Valle said the contract is structured for annual renewal and the county can expand the fleet quickly if demand warrants.
Valle recommended renewing Freebee’s contract for another year, pursuing ways to reduce wait time (with a goal of below 20 minutes average), and discussing a possible interlocal agreement to manage the system if the Village of Islamorada asks the county to incorporate Almorada’s service into a county‑run branded ConneCT/Freebee offering. Islamorada’s existing program — active since 2018 — differs in schedule and rider mix; FDOT pays 50 percent of operating costs in municipalities that qualify for its grant.
Commissioners broadly supported renewal and asked staff to present a menu of cost‑share options for employees and riders if the county were to add coverage for larger service areas. Commissioner Kate asked staff to return with better electronic metrics (trip purpose, vehicle replacement from personal cars) and to confirm whether shared trips actually reduce vehicle miles travelled. Commissioner Lincoln emphasized local resident ridership and quality‑of‑life benefits for workers. Commissioner Rice supported exploring an Islamorada partnership with a formal interlocal agreement if the village seeks county management.
Valle said staff will prepare options for contract renewal, a proposed budget for expansion, and cost‑sharing scenarios for commissioners to consider during the upcoming budget season. No formal vote to expand funding was taken Wednesday.
