Jason Spiegel, Co-Founder & CEO, Freebee
In an interview with Invest:, Jason Spiegel, co-founder and CEO of Freebee, discussed Freebee’s growth, the benefits of microtransit within the transportation ecosystem, community engagement, and the company’s expansion plans. “Over the next two to three years, our goal is to put thousands of vehicles on the road across the United States, and eventually to expand globally,” he said.
What have been the significant milestones for Freebee over the past year?
Over the past 12 to 18 months, we have achieved remarkable growth, solidifying our position as a leader in the microtransit space. Our success has been driven by the increasing demand for flexible, sustainable, and cost-effective mobility solutions as microtransit continues to gain traction as a preferred mode of public transportation across the U.S. and beyond.
One of our most significant milestones has been our rapid geographic expansion. We have successfully launched many new services in cities across Florida, spanning from Key West to both coasts, while also marking a major step in our national expansion with our recent entry into North Carolina.
The growing adoption of microtransit by governmental agencies reflects a broader shift in transportation funding priorities, with more communities investing in innovative, demand-driven solutions that provide greater accessibility and efficiency for residents. Freebee’s continued expansion highlights not only our operational excellence but also our ability to shape the future of public transit by delivering scalable and impactful transportation solutions.
How does microtransit compare to traditional fixed-route systems?
Historically, fixed-route transit systems, such as buses operating on set schedules, have served as the foundation of public transportation. While effective in high-density areas, these systems struggle to provide efficient service in regions with lower population density. Operating fixed-route buses comes with significant expenses, including vehicle procurement, fuel, maintenance, and driver labor. When ridership falls below expectations, the cost per passenger rises significantly, making traditional bus routes financially unsustainable for many municipalities.
Microtransit offers a dynamic and cost-effective alternative. By leveraging technology and real-time demand, microtransit services optimize vehicle deployment, reducing unnecessary operating costs while improving service accessibility. Cities are recognizing that microtransit can increase ridership, enhance the passenger experience, and provide more equitable access to transportation, all at a lower cost than traditional fixed-route models.
While fixed-route transit remains valuable in high-demand corridors, microtransit fills critical gaps, offering first- and last-mile solutions, connecting underserved communities, and adapting in real time to fluctuating transportation needs. As more cities shift toward flexible and data-driven mobility solutions, microtransit is proving to be a sustainable way to improve public transit systems.
Freebee is more than just transportation. Can you discuss how it builds a community experience and any updates on community initiatives?
At Freebee, transportation is just the starting point. Our mission is to create a more connected, vibrant, and accessible community experience by seamlessly integrating mobility with local engagement. Through the Freebee app, riders don’t just request a ride but instead gain access to a dynamic, localized hub that highlights everything their city has to offer. From small businesses and local events to public service announcements and cultural happenings, the app serves as a digital community guide, fostering economic growth and social interaction. By simply tapping “Take Me Here,” riders can effortlessly explore their city while supporting local establishments, all with the convenience of a free, eco-friendly ride.
Our impact extends beyond just connecting people to places. Freebee actively partners with municipalities and organizations to support community-driven initiatives that drive real value. By providing local businesses with a platform to increase visibility and foot traffic, Freebee plays a direct role in strengthening local economies. Our partnerships with cities and public agencies allow us to support public health and safety campaigns, from wellness programs to community safety awareness efforts. We also enhance engagement by providing accessible transportation to events such as local festivals, farmers’ markets, and cultural celebrations, increasing participation and connectivity within communities. Additionally, Freebee aligns with sustainability and smart city initiatives by reducing congestion and emissions, contributing to greener, more livable environments.
This model fundamentally reshapes the role of public transit, transforming it from a static service into a dynamic community connector. As we continue expanding, we remain committed to making transportation a tool for economic development, civic engagement, and a stronger sense of place, ensuring that every ride serves a greater purpose beyond just getting from point A to point B.
What are the challenges and opportunities in promoting electric microtransit services in different cities?
One of the biggest challenges in expanding electric microtransit is education. While cities once needed to be convinced of its value, microtransit is now widely recognized, shifting the focus to successful implementation and long-term adoption.
Another challenge is securing operational hubs with sufficient electrical capacity for vehicle charging. Unlike traditional fueling stations, electric fleets require designated charging locations, which can sometimes limit deployment. Identifying and developing this infrastructure is crucial for smooth operations.
Regulatory approval is more straightforward since Freebee works directly with municipalities, integrating into public transit systems rather than navigating complex consumer markets. This collaboration accelerates adoption and reduces barriers.
Microtransit also offers a key advantage over traditional transit projects. Without the need for extensive infrastructure like rail or large bus depots, it can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively. Once a suitable charging location is found, operations can begin with minimal disruption.
As cities prioritize sustainability, electric microtransit presents a scalable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution. With fewer barriers and growing demand for flexible mobility, it is well-positioned to shape the future of urban transportation.
Public transportation is often designed for transit-dependent riders. How does microtransit differ in its approach?
Traditional public transportation has primarily been designed for transit-dependent riders — individuals without personal vehicles who rely on buses, trains, and trolleys for daily mobility. These systems are essential for connecting people to jobs, healthcare, and essential services but they often lack the flexibility and convenience that attract discretionary riders.
Microtransit is changing that dynamic. While we continue to serve transit-dependent individuals, ensuring access to work, grocery stores, and medical appointments, we are also engaging “choice” riders — people who have personal vehicles, often luxury models, and historically wouldn’t consider public transit. The appeal of microtransit lies in its convenience, efficiency, and elevated user experience, offering door-to-door service that feels less like traditional public transit and more like a premium mobility solution.
This shift is creating meaningful changes in mobility behavior. Some households are even reducing vehicle ownership because microtransit provides such a reliable and hassle-free alternative. By attracting a broader demographic, microtransit is reshaping public transportation, making it a viable option for a wider audience and contributing to reduced congestion, lower emissions, and a more connected urban environment. Its ability to bridge the gap between transit-dependent and choice riders is a key factor in driving its rapid adoption and success across diverse communities.
As competition in the microtransit space grows, what strategies are you implementing to differentiate Freebee from other eco-friendly transit services?
As competition in the microtransit sector increases, Freebee continues to differentiate itself by offering a service that extends far beyond basic transportation. While many providers focus solely on efficient point-to-point transit, our approach is rooted in community engagement, local economic development, and an enhanced rider experience.
Our deep integration into the communities we serve is a key differentiator. Freebee is not just a transportation service; it is a platform that connects residents to local businesses, events, and essential services. Through strategic partnerships with municipalities and community stakeholders, we help cities achieve broader goals, such as economic growth, sustainability, and improved mobility access for all. This community-first approach builds long-term loyalty and creates a service that residents truly value.
Beyond our community impact, Freebee leverages proprietary technology to optimize fleet management and operations. Our custom-built tools provide real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and data-driven insights that allow us to continuously refine service efficiency, vehicle deployment, and user experience. Many competitors lack these advanced capabilities, which significantly impact service reliability and overall performance.
How do you empower your team to provide an exceptional rider experience?
It all begins with recruiting the right people. We don’t just hire drivers; we look for individuals who embody the spirit of hospitality, come from the communities they serve, and have a genuine passion for helping others. Our team members are more than drivers; they are local ambassadors who enhance the rider experience by sharing insights about the city, highlighting community events, and representing the municipality with pride.
Once we find the right fit, every team member goes through our comprehensive Freebee training program. This program goes beyond transportation logistics to focus on customer service, community engagement, and the skills needed to create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for riders.
What trends are you observing in microtransit and urban mobility, and how is Freebee adapting?
Microtransit is rapidly evolving, and cities are becoming more strategic in how they implement these services. In the past, microtransit was often introduced as an experimental concept without a clear plan. Today, municipalities are taking a more data-driven approach, designing service areas and operational models to address specific mobility challenges and enhance overall transit efficiency.
One major trend is the replacement of underperforming fixed-route transit systems with microtransit, particularly in areas with low ridership. Cities are recognizing that running large buses on empty routes is neither cost-effective nor efficient, and microtransit provides a flexible, demand-based alternative. Another key trend is the use of microtransit to complement strong public transit networks by filling in service gaps. Many communities have high-quality rail or bus systems but still struggle with first- and last-mile connectivity, leaving some residents without viable transit options. Microtransit seamlessly bridges these gaps, providing essential coverage in areas where traditional fixed routes are impractical.
In small and mid-sized communities that value public transit but lack the budget for full-scale systems, microtransit offers an affordable and scalable solution. Importantly, microtransit is not a competitor to traditional public transit; rather, it is a tool to optimize existing services. Whether by replacing low-performing routes, enhancing connectivity, or creating new mobility options in underserved areas, the key to success is designing services based on community data, goals, and ongoing performance analysis. Freebee continues to adapt by working closely with municipalities to refine service models, ensuring that microtransit remains a highly effective and sustainable transportation solution.
What are your top priorities and goals for Freebee in the next two to three years?
Our primary focus is expanding Freebee beyond Florida while maintaining the high-quality service that has made us successful. We spent years refining our model locally, ensuring operational efficiency, strong community integration, and seamless service delivery. Now, with a proven and scalable system, we are positioned for rapid growth.
Over the next two to three years, our goal is to deploy thousands of vehicles across the United States, bringing Freebee’s innovative microtransit solutions to new cities and regions. This expansion will not only strengthen our presence in the national mobility landscape but also set the foundation for future global growth. As we scale, we remain committed to maintaining service excellence, deepening partnerships with municipalities, and continuously enhancing our technology to optimize operations and the rider experience.
