Virginia Beach funds year-round free rides at the Oceanfront

VIRGINIA BEACH — A pilot program that provided free rides at the Oceanfront last year was so successful that it’s prompted city officials to renew the contract and increase the fleet.

The City Council approved on Tuesday the transfer of $1.2 million from the parking enterprise fund for Freebee. The fund had a $7 million balance from parking fees.

The free ride-share service launched last June, with the city funding five vehicles for one year at a cost of about half a million dollars. The car service provided 91,951 free rides over the last year, which equates to a cost about $5 a ride.

The new contract will provide 10 cars during the peak summer season and five during the rest of the year.

Freebee uses electric Tesla Model X vehicles in Virginia Beach. Rides are offered up to 42nd Street, as far south as General Booth Boulevard and west to Birdneck Road. Each vehicle can hold up to five passengers, in addition to the driver.

Freebee is a ride-share service, so more than one group of passengers may be in a car at one time. Passengers can book a ride by downloading the Freebee app.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com