Conch Connect Launches in Key West & Stock Island

In mid‑July 2024, Monroe County introduced Conch Connect, an on‑demand micro‑transit network powered by Freebee, bringing electric rides for just $2 per trip to residents and visitors on Stock Island and Key West.

Backed by a Florida DOT grant, the service launched on July 15, 2024, operating seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and servicing up to six passengers per vehicle in a fleet of five Teslas, including one ADA‑equipped vehicle.

Monroe County Transit spokesperson Kristen Livengood praised the code live efficiency of Conch Connect, noting, “It took them three minutes to come and pick me up, but it says to give them at least a 20‑minute heads‑up, especially if it becomes as popular as we are hoping” Florida Keys Weekly Newspapers.

Local reaction was overwhelmingly positive. While some initially grumbled about the $2 fare—after all, Freebee is known for being free—many appreciated the cost‑effectiveness: “Uber rides range from $8 to $20 a pop,” one local highlighted. Another early rider told Keys Weekly, “I took a ride on Thursday … This service is a true ride share. They will pick up & drop off… if it’s ‘on the way’,” pointing to a community-first design carfreecities.com.

Conch Connect is designed to meet local commuting needs within a roughly 7-mile radius, focused on Stock Island–Key West trips rather than long-distance travel across the Keys. And while the system typically delivers vehicles within 15–20 minutes, Monroe County has kept expectations realistic for riders.

Six months later, Conch Connect is pulling impressive ridership. A report from CarfreeCities shared that the service now moves 5,300+ passengers per month, matching about 87% of City-run Key West Rides’ ridership, and heavily trafficked by locals—85% of all trips—with half serving workers commuting to jobs across the islands.

Monroe County Transit Director Richard Clark envisions broader expansion—comparing this rollout to a pilot for extending micro-transit throughout the Keys. Grants have been submitted for electric, wheelchair‑accessible vans, and plans are in motion for neighborhood-level service in areas like Marathon, Islamorada, and Key Largo.

Conch Connect offers an affordable, eco-conscious, and inclusive transportation solution tailored to Key West’s unique needs. In the words of commuter Kim Stamps: “It should ease our transportation pains and … save us some transportation money” carfreecities.com.