Bradenton and Palmetto Launch Cross-City Freebee Service, Expanding Free Electric Rides for Residents
City leaders from Bradenton and Palmetto came together this week to cut the ribbon on a new and exciting chapter in local transportation. The Freebee electric ride service, already popular in downtown Bradenton, has officially expanded to connect the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) districts of both cities, marking a historic cross-city partnership.
This collaboration between the Bradenton CRA and Palmetto CRA brings free, eco-friendly, on-demand rides to a broader range of residents and destinations across the Manatee River. The new service expansion provides Palmetto riders with easier access to downtown Bradenton's hotspots, including the Courthouse, Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Manatee Performing Arts Center, and the Downtown Bradenton Beach Ferry landing. Meanwhile, Bradenton residents can now take advantage of direct rides to five grocery stores in Palmetto and other essential stops.
The Freebee fleet offers a fun and sustainable alternative to car travel with fully electric vehicles that are ADA-compliant. Operating hours run Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Riders can request a trip via the “Ride Freebee” mobile app, and wheelchair-accessible rides are available by phone.
Service is limited to the designated CRA boundaries in both downtown areas. For service maps and complete details, visit www.cityofbradenton.com or www.ridefreebee.com/service-areas/bradenton.
The expanded service reflects both cities’ commitment to sustainable transit and increased connectivity for their residents.
