On May 29, 2019, the City and Freebee executed an Agreement for an On-Demand Transit Service Pilot Program in Middle Beach.  Due to the success of the pilot, in December 2019, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2019-31110, waiving by 5/7^th vote, the formal competitive bidding requirement in Section 2-367(e) of the City Code and approving an extension to the Agreement for an additional three (3) years through December 31, 2022 for the Middle Beach On-Demand Transit Service.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, on April 1, 2020, the City suspended all services under the Agreement.  In November 2020, the City modified the Agreement to temporarily repurpose the Middle Beach on-demand transit service to provide essential mobility services for elderly residents living in affordable housing facilities throughout the City to the closest Publix supermarket or pharmacy.     The Freebee service is also available to elderly residents who participate in any of the programs provided by Unidad, Jewish Community Services, and Little Havana Activities and Nutrition Center.  Hours of operation are from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, 7 days a week.  Attached is a flyer with pertinent information on the current Freebee service for elderly residents.  

Pursuant to Resolution No. 2021-31563, the Freebee service for elderly residents was extended through September 30, 2021 using funds originally budgeted for the operation of the Middle Beach on-demand transit service in Fiscal Year 2020/21; however, on October 1, 2021, the City resumed operation of the Middle Beach on-demand transit service.

In anticipation of the termination of the Freebee service for elderly residents on September 30, 2021, the Administration received numerous concerns and complaints from elderly residents living in affordable housing facilities who used the Freebee service.  

At the September 30, 2021 City Commission meeting, during the second hearing of the proposed Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Budget, the City Commission approved $90,000 for a six (6) month extension of the Freebee service for elderly residents.

On October 1, 2021, the Freebee service for elderly residents was extended temporarily through November 30, 2021 via Amendment No. 9 to the Agreement, under the City Manager’s authority.  Amendment No. 9 authorized a two-month continuation of the Freebee service as a stop gap measure to allow the Administration an opportunity to draft Amendment No. 10 and present it to the City Commission for approval at the October 17, 2021 meeting.

Pursuant to Amendment No. 10 to the Agreement, Freebee service for elderly residents is scheduled to terminate on March 31, 2022.  This service was launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was intended to be a temporary service providing essential trips for elderly residents during the pandemic to the closest Publix supermarket or pharmacy.

Average daily ridership over the last 14 months (excluding the first month of service) was 122 passengers per day.  With two vehicles in service since October 1, 2021 (as compared to three vehicles previously), vehicle utilization has increased to 70% (as compared to 52% previously) resulting in a more cost-effective service.

Based on origin/destination data over the past four months (October 1, 2021 - January 31, 2022), the Rebecca Towers is the most popular origin with 34% of total ridership.  The Publix Supermarket at Alton Road and 5 Street is the most popular destination with 38% of the total ridership.

While the citywide trolley service is currently available, albeit at a reduced service level, many elderly residents are choosing the Freebee service as their preferred means of transportation given it provides convenient, door-to-door service using small open-air vehicles, and shorter response times as compared to the trolley service.

Based on the 2019 Miami Beach Resident Survey, 63% of respondents use their automobile as a primary mode of transportation for trips within Miami Beach; and 73% of respondents consider trolleys and local bus circulators as the most viable alternative to using a personal automobile within the City. 

$105,000 - Account No. 106-9615-000349-30-403-529-00-00-00-

The Freebee service for elderly residents was launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a temporary service providing essential trips to the closest Publix supermarket or pharmacy for elderly residents.  Given the continuation of COVID-19 in our community, the Administration recommends extending Freebee service for elderly residents through September 30, 2022.