Freebee Electric Ride Service Expands: A New Era for Bradenton and Palmetto!

Bradenton Beach, Florida, USA - In a vibrant step towards sustainable transportation, city officials from Bradenton and Palmetto celebrated the expansion of the Freebee electric ride service with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This initiative, aimed at enhancing connectivity between the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) districts of both cities, signifies a collaborative effort to provide convenient and free transportation options for residents and visitors alike. As reported by The Bradenton Times, the expansion allows access to key destinations including grocery stores, the County Courthouse, and cultural centers across city lines.

Originally launched in Downtown Bradenton in February 2024, Freebee has quickly gained popularity. Just a month ago, in March 2025, the service extended its reach into Palmetto, following up on its commitment to user-friendly transportation. This new service runs from Wednesday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. Users can hop on the “Ride Freebee” app to schedule rides, which can also include wheelchair-accessible options, showcasing the service’s dedication to inclusivity.

The Service Details

Freebee is absolutely free for riders, funded through CRA budgets and advertising revenue. In fact, the Palmetto CRA will contribute $36,034 for the first month, followed by $27,034 for the subsequent five months, allowing three Tesla vehicles to operate a robust 56 hours per week. The ride service is not just a green mode of transport; it’s a strong supporter of local environmental initiatives and bolsters mobility for everyone, echoing the commitment seen elsewhere in Florida and even cities like New York.

As Moccasin Wallow highlights, Freebee combines the virtues of zero-emission vehicles with a spacious and efficient service model, aiming to draw more riders while remaining mindful of its environmental footprint. This focus on sustainability is increasingly critical as urban areas address the pressing need for greener transportation solutions.

A National Trend in Rideshare Mobility

The push towards greener transit options isn’t only a theme in Florida. Take, for example, New York City, where Mayor Eric Adams has proposed shifting the city’s rideshare fleet to entirely zero-emission vehicles by 2030, as detailed by NYC.gov. These efforts reflect a growing awareness of transportation’s environmental impact and showcase a nationwide trend towards eco-friendlier urban mobility.

As we look ahead, the Freebee program aims to assess its effectiveness and explore potential enhancements, such as expanding service as ridership increases. This gives local residents something to look forward to, knowing their city is taking crucial steps towards a sustainable transportation future. With all the thoughtful planning and community support behind it, Freebee is more than just a rideshare service; it’s a community-building initiative that promises to keep connecting lives, one ride at a time.