For those who live downtown but prefer not to drive, or those who are visiting and don’t have a car, or those who want a casual night out without worrying about parking, there’s now a solution for these scenarios and more. Best part? It’s free.
The Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has added complimentary fixed-stops and point-to-point transportation services to downtown Delray Beach with a goal to decrease local traffic, provide visitors with more green transportation options, and expand the current service area provided by the Downtown Shuttle.
“This is a WIN – WIN for the City,” said Shirley Johnson, Delray Beach Deputy Vice Mayor. “We are providing a much needed service that a first-class City must have.”
The current Downtown Shuttle has two routes, both of which include a round-trip service along Atlantic Avenue from the Tri-Rail station to Ocean Boulevard/A1A, with operation seven days a week to 22 stops. The new service provider, First Transit, will add new vehicles and a few new transit stops, providing a modified route throughout the downtown core between Swinton Avenue and East Fifth Avenue. Other than the main benefit of giving riders free transportation to and from the downtown core, these vehicles will also help to reduce carbon emissions by reducing traffic congestion and parking problems. Go lean, go green, and enjoy the downtown scene.
Additionally, we are also offering a new point-to-point transportation service pilot program that will serve the CRA district. Freebee, a South Florida-based electric transportation company, will provide the service with GEM (Global Electric Motorcars), which are low-speed, battery-electric vehicles. This service will take guests anywhere in the downtown CRA service area, which includes most locations East of I-95 to A1A, and Gulfstream Boulevard to S.W. 10th Street.
“What excites us most about this new program is that it will provide an overall broader service area including the West Atlantic area (East of I-95),” said Renée A. Jadusingh, executive director of the CRA. “It is going to bring more mobility options to the CRA district area of service and provide a more holistic system of transportation. It is also a FREE service for everyone!”
The point-to-point transportation service will give local and visiting riders a unique opportunity to view downtown Delray from a different perspective by riding the open-air, small-scale vehicles where they’ll be able to interact with pedestrians, view the downtown atmosphere, and better appreciate the charm of Delray Beach. Sound enticing? It’s meant to be!
The fixed-transportation service encourages not only local and visiting riders to visit the entire downtown area, but also supports the local labor force by providing workers with a commuting option. Both options should encourage the use of public parking and decrease traffic congestion in the downtown core.
So the next time you’re looking for a designated driver, or someone who’s willing to circle the block for parking, don’t. Download the Freebee app and put all the driving responsibility in their hands. There’s never been an easier way to get around downtown Delray, we guarantee it.
