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Freebee expansion drives large ridership jump; agency weighs 18+ rule, zone limits to curb joyriding
Summary
Freebee officials told the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency that after expanding to seven days a week the service saw a dramatic ridership increase (5,100 rides in July; a 358% year‑over‑year jump) and proposed an 18+ age restriction plus inner/outer zones to reduce joyriding and lower wait times.
Chris Walker, regional manager for Freebee, told the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency on Aug. 13 that the service’s June expansion to seven days a week and a larger service area produced a surge in riders.
“In the first month post expansion, which was July, we transported over 5,100 passengers, and that’s a 358% increase year over year,” Walker said, noting August was tracking toward roughly 5,800 rides before the peak season.
The increase prompted operational recommendations designed to prioritize trips to commercial destinations and reduce what the company called ‘joyriding’ by younger users. Walker proposed an 18‑and‑older age restriction and a two‑zone system (an inner “pink” commercial zone and an outer “blue” zone) that would prevent blue‑to‑blue trips while allowing trips from blue to pink or pink to pink.
“Users must be either originating from or going to the inner zone,” Walker said, describing a zone control the operator can change through its app.
Board members pressed on two main risks: wait times for riders and safety concerns. Commissioners and staff noted the expansion did not add vehicles, which has increased wait times during higher demand. One commissioner suggested staff prepare a proposal for additional vehicles to be ready before the season peaks.
On safety measures, Walker said the service trains drivers, equips vehicles with two‑way cameras and instructs drivers to deny rides if they feel unsafe. “If a passenger is really drunk or aggressive, they have every right to cancel the ride, contact the police if necessary,” Walker said.
Freebee representatives also described tools to support local businesses: a “places to be” list inside the app that can highlight locally owned destinations, and options for businesses to offer coupons or one‑time discounts through the platform. The operator said it can track GPS drop‑offs to verify that a rider was delivered to a location but cannot guarantee that the rider entered the business.
The board asked staff to monitor wait‑time data, consider a proposal to add vehicles as demand grows, and report back if the new rules do not curb misuse. The agency did not finalize any regulatory changes at the meeting; staff and the operator said they would implement the recommendations on a trial basis and adjust as needed.
