Brickell in line for its own circulator transit system

After picking up over 23,000 riders in its first 16 months, the Freebee Downtown Circulator is gearing up to expand into Brickell this year, fueled by new state funding.

The free service, a partnership between the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Freebee, offers eco-friendly transit through Miami’s bustling urban core. The loop connects key destinations such as the Kaseya Center, Bayside Marketplace, Miami Worldcenter and Brightline’s MiamiCentral station. The five-person electric shuttles make continuous rounds. Passengers can hail a ride along the route or request one through the Freebee mobile app.

Since its launch in November 2023, the circulator has had rapid ridership growth, doubling nearly every month early on. Now, with additional funds from a Public Transit Service Development Program Grant awarded by the Florida Department of Transportation, the DDA plans to expand into Brickell, where demand for reliable, quick transit options remains high.

“Based on the success of this pilot program and additional funding acquired … the Miami DDA is now looking to extend the program to the Brickell district,” said Neal Schafers, head of urban planning at the Miami DDA. “Much like the Downtown Circulator, the Brickell service will focus on providing increased mobility options and connectivity for workers, residents, students, shoppers, diners and visitors from Miami Parking Authority parking garages and surface parking lots to their work, homes, retail outlets, restaurants, bars, entertainment and cultural institutions.”

The potential route is expected to connect to Brickell City Centre, Mary Brickell Village, the Underline, Metromover and Metrorail stations, Publix Supermarket, Brickell Key and hotels, restaurants and stores.

A solicitation for a permanent circulator service is underway with the City of Miami, and the Brickell expansion is expected to launch later this year, the development authority says.

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