The Freebie Dunedin Loop program, which offers free rides around the downtown area, has seen an increase in ridership over the course of its pilot phase, with over 8,000 passengers and a doubling of riders from the first to the fifth month. The service is provided by electric vehicles, contributing to environmental sustainability efforts. A managing partner of Freebie, Jason Spiegel, presented the pilot program’s results, highlighting its success in customer satisfaction, ridership growth, and positive economic impact on downtown events and parking.

Spiegel recommended the continuation and expansion of the Freebie program, suggesting enhancements such as a flex service model to increase efficiency and accommodate surges in ridership, like those experienced during Spring training. He also proposed exploring advertising and sponsorships to subsidize the program’s costs. The commissioners engaged in a discussion about the program’s benefits and challenges, particularly focusing on its financial sustainability and long-term feasibility.

The commission also discussed the city’s use of ARPA funds, with a total of $12.7 million spent or encumbered, representing approximately 70% of the total $18.3 million in ARPA funding received by the city. The finance director outlined the status of various projects, including those that are completed, fully committed, or not yet started, and the adjustments made to the budget since October. Notable changes included the reduction of the WID O’Brien contract for grant reporting and the proposed reallocation of funds from the Downtown East End plan to a downtown paper and walkability project. The importance of adhering to the December 30th, 2024, spending deadline to maximize the use of grant funds was emphasized.

Residents and regular riders of the Freebie service provided feedback during the meeting, with one expressing concerns about the visibility and accessibility of the service and another praising its benefits, especially during events. The city manager highlighted the cost considerations and the need to evaluate the program’s impact on downtown and the expectations it sets for residents.

The commission discussed the potential for modifying the service level and the need for a comprehensive assessment of the program’s effectiveness. The city manager proposed working with Freebie to explore a decreased level of service to better understand the program’s impact. The commission was tasked with further discussions to explore the possibility of extending or modifying the program.

Additionally, the commission addressed updates from the city clerk, city manager, city attorney, and individual commissioner comments, including clarification on previous remarks about property insurance. The meeting concluded with the commission’s regular adjournment procedures.