For many teenagers and young adults living in the Coral Gables area, the need for public transportation has become more of a pressing issue. As most residents rely on cars to get them from place to place, those who cannot drive are left with no choice but to use their own two feet. In an effort to improve this inadequate transportation system, Miami officials have partnered with Freebee, a company that offers free, quick door-to-door rides in electric vehicles. As this method of transportation grows in popularity, its benefits become more apparent.
“Freebee has saved me from spending so much money on other transportation systems like Uber and Lyft. I am able to get a fast ride from place to place for absolutely no cost. Ever since I discovered Freebee, I have used it consistently, and I have never been disappointed,” sophomore Zeina Wallace said.
For countless years, the Florida government neglected to improve the public transportation system, thereby exacerbating the ongoing problem. Though metro rail and bus services were initially intended to alleviate this, they instead became part of the problem itself due to a lack of organization, cleanliness and most importantly, reliability. The average rider was never sure that they would arrive at his destination on time or even at all. This caused car sales to skyrocket across the state, as residents found themselves with no other means of traveling from one place to another. Rising gas prices and ever-increasing parking fees add on to this price, making travel by car even more costly. With the newly signed contract between the City of Coral Gables and Freebee, commuters will no longer have to worry about any of these transportation issues.
“Freebee has made it much easier for me to get from one place to another. It’s so relieving to know that I always have a ride available for free. The drivers are really friendly and cooperative, and I have always gotten to where I need to go safely,” sophomore Adriana Garcia said.
Freebee’s innovative approach to transportation, utilizing electric vehicles and on-demand service, provides the public with the perfect way of moving around the city. The process of calling a driver is easy: once the passenger downloads the app, they simply request a ride. The user must also input where they are located and where their destination is, as this will help the app to determine which Freebee driver is available in that area. This increase in efficiency is designed to connect residents throughout a designated portion of the Gables area, as all individuals are able to reach their desired destinations in a stress-free and safe manner.
“I usually rely on the metro rail to take me around Miami, but recently Freebee has been really convenient. All I have to do is open the app and request a ride, and within 10 minutes I’m on my way to where I need to be. It’s also an environmentally friendly option of transportation, which I really admire,” sophomore Cesar Romero said.
The partnership between Coral Gables and Freebee not only enhances mobility, but it also contributes to a greener environment. All Freebee vehicles are electric, so rides do not release any sort of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. This will prove to be beneficial in the long run, as more people make the choice to rely on public transportation. The use of eco-friendly transportation options is far-reaching as it gives younger generations the ability to make a meaningful impact by taking the necessary steps to protect the Earth. With Freebee at their fingertips, they will be able to contribute to creating a more sustainable future with just one click.
“Freebee is a great way to get around without harming the environment. It provides many advantages especially for people who don’t have their own cars or kids who do not have their drivers license yet. Freebee has taken a significant step in improving the overall public transportation system throughout Miami,” sophomore Alyssa Dopico said.
While Florida used to be laughed at by states such as New York and Chicago for its terrible transportation system, things have begun to change thanks to Freebee which has revolutionized the way residents travel throughout the Miami area. This has made it possible for drivers to abandon their reliance on their gas-guzzling cars and to instead travel comfortably while doing their part to save the environment. Freebee’s influence is felt all around the city, promoting environmental sustainability and a sense of community.
