Freebee Expands Service Across the River into Palmetto

Freebee has officially expanded its eco-friendly, on-demand ride service into Palmetto, marking a major milestone in connecting the communities of northern Manatee County.

Building on the success of Freebee’s launch in downtown Bradenton in 2024, the new Palmetto zone brings seamless, app-based transportation to even more residents, visitors, and businesses. The service is completely free to riders and operates within the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) districts on both sides of the Manatee River — uniting Bradenton and Palmetto with sustainable mobility.

Backed by funding from each city’s CRA, the expansion aims to boost access to local shops, restaurants, and essential services while reducing car dependency and easing traffic congestion in the growing region.

“We want to bring more people downtown and provide a reliable, eco-conscious option for getting around,” said Palmetto CRA Director Jeff Burton in an interview with the Business Observer.

With just a few taps in the Ride Freebee app, riders can request an electric vehicle for trips around town — whether heading to the Palmetto Historical Park, visiting the marina, grabbing lunch downtown, or connecting to key services in Bradenton.

The vehicles, including ADA-accessible options, operate Wednesday through Sunday and are supported in part by in-app digital ads and local business sponsorships. For both cities, Freebee offers more than just a ride — it’s a platform to promote community pride and local economic growth.

To learn more about the Bradenton–Palmetto expansion, check out coverage from the Business Observer.