Dunedin’s Freebee shuttle service, which provided free rides in downtown to residents and tourists, ended yesterday, on December 14, 2025.

The pilot program launched in 2023 using American Rescue Plan Act funding. The city of Dunedin determined that the cost of continuing the program cannot be justified with city funds after reviewing ridership data, according to a statement released this week.

The shuttle service operated on a loop route, making stops at hotels, parks, city hall and other downtown locations. Former Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski said in 2023 that the program was introduced to address the city’s limited parking.

Patrick Stout, one of four Freebee drivers, said the service helped reduce downtown traffic congestion, particularly on weekends. He and the other drivers attempted to save the program by contacting local restaurants and using social media to encourage community support.

The contract is set to expire on December 17, with December 14 marking the final day of service. The city stated that no additional grant money or advertising revenue was generated to sustain the program beyond the pilot phase.

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