San Diego offers free ride through FRED

  • 2016-08-20
San Diego just introduced a shuttle service in the city's downtown neighborhoods.

The program is called ‘Free Ride Everywhere Downtown’, also known as ‘FRED’, and is aimed at relieving the congestion and parking problems by shuttling people from parking lots lying further out. FRED is starting with fifteen five-passenger electric vehicles, which it hopes to expand to a fleet of twenty within a year. Initial funding for the service, in the amount of $500,000, is coming from revenues from downtown parking meters, and is a joint project of the Downtown San Diego Partnership and Civic San Diego.

Kevin Faulconer, San Diego's mayor, said he was certain everyone was aware of all the great entertainment, dining, and shopping opportunities in the city's downtown, just as everyone was aware that parking can be hard to find. It can also be difficult to find a handy bus or trolley stop. However, FRED will allow people to use their smartphones to request a ride.

The vehicles, which are mint green, clearly say they are offering rides for free, and some have advertising on them. Officials hope that in time, the entire program can be funded by sponsorships. At present, FRED is scheduled to operate 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Mondays through Thursdays; 7:00 am to midnight Fridays; 8:00 am to midnight Saturdays; and 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on Sundays.

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