Two Florida transportation companies are teaming up to reshape how people get around, merging Freebee’s electric-vehicle network with Beep’s autonomous technology. The merger was announced Sept. 16, with Beep taking the name of the combined operation and Freebee continuing as its microtransit br and. The deal brings together Freebee’s existing transit services with Beep’s modern mobility solutions, giving communities a single provider for human-driven, autonomous or blended transportation services. Founded in Miami in 2012, Freebee provides on-demand rides using a fleet of more than 300 all-electric vehicles and logs more than 2 million trips annually. Beep, based in Orlando since 2018, operates self-driving vehicles and has developed AutonomOS, an AI-driven software platform designed to manage and coordinate autonomous mobility networks. “The merged entity brings together Freebee’s proven human-driven microtransit platform, proprietary technology, extensive municipal relationships and large-scale operating network with Beep’s deep experience implementing autonomous mobility systems through its AI-driven AutonomOS software platform, which builds on Beep’s years of experience operating autonomous vehicles to make it easier to use and manage physical AI across transportation networks,” the companies’ press release said. Together, the two operations have carried more than 10 million riders across more than 60 communities and employ nearly 1,000 people. For existing Freebee customers, however, the immediate change is expected to be limited. “Existing Freebee services will continue operating and serving their communities as they do today,” Freebee co-founder Jason Spiegel told Miami Today in a statement. “The merger does not change the day-to-day experience for current riders, municipal partners, campuses, or business districts. What changes is the breadth of capabilities available to those communities over time.” “By bringing together Freebee’s proven electric microtransit network and operational expertise with Beep’s autonomous mobility platform, the combined company can offer a broader range of transportation solutions while continuing to support the human-driven services customers rely on today,” Mr. Spiegel said. “Our focus is on helping communities meet their mobility goals with the approach that makes the most sense for their needs, whether that is human-driven, autonomous, or a combination of both.” The merger allows the companies to explore potential autonomous deployments within existing mobility networks, but no specific communities or timelines have been decided yet. “Every community has unique transportation needs, operating environments and policy considerations. Any future autonomous deployment would be developed collaboratively with local partners and only when there is a clear mobility benefit for riders and the community,” Mr. Spiegel said. Rather than replacing Freebee’s existing services with autonomous vehicles, the companies say communities will be able to choose among human-driven service, autonomous vehicles or a combination of the two. “The primary goal of the merger is not to force a one-size-fits-all technology solution; we want to offer communities access to a broader mobility toolkit and greater flexibility as transportation technology continues to evolve,” said Mr. Spiegel.  For some communities, Mr. Spiegel said, human-driven service could remain the most appropriate option. Autonomous vehicles could potentially increase service frequency, extend operating hours, improve connections to other transportation services or help address workforce constraints.  “Many communities may ultimately benefit from a blended approach that combines both service models using a single operational platform,” Mr. Spiegel said. “Communities no longer need to choose between today’s mobility solutions and tomorrow’s technologies.” Starting in the streets of Miami, Freebee has grown into a broader network serving more than 50 municipalities, campuses and business districts throughout the Southeast. “Miami remains an important market for the combined company, given Freebee’s strong roots in the region and Beep’s experience here,” Mr. Spiegel said. “Joined by Freebee, Beep is now among the largest microtransit providers in the country,” Beep CEO and co-founder Kevin Reid said in the companies’ press release. “This transaction accelerates the industry’s journey to autonomous mobility, giving communities the ability to implement meaningful services today while giving people the flexibility to choose between human-driven, autonomous or blended transportation solutions.” Under the new structure, Mr. Reid will be chairman and chief executive officer, while Freebee co-founders Kris Kimball and Mr. Spiegel will join the executive team as chief operating officer and president and chief growth officer, respectively. Beep co-founder Mark Reid will serve as chief customer officer. The post Freebee, Beep merge for autonomous transit growth appeared first on Miami Today. ...read more read less