Conch Connect Goes Extinct
The Monroe County Commission has decided to end its trial program with Freebie from Stock Island to Old Town.
In its infinite wisdom, Monroe County, which has ended its trial run wit Freebie, which ran under the Conch Connect banner.
They did not terminate service in Islamorada.
The County decided to give it a try a little over a year ago, cha service to provide ride share services from Stock Island into Old Town and points in between. The concept of the service — which is free in Islamorada but was $2 per person point to point in Key West — was to help ease congestion by lowering the amount of cars on the road during peak hours. There were actually plans for a Park-n-Ride garage on Stock Island so people from up the Keys could drive down, park, then use the service to get around town.
I was actually their first customer when it started, and the service was outstanding. You had brand new Teslas that were clean, had great air conditioning and axles that didn’t feel like they were going to fly off the car at any given moment (think 5 6s.)
Everything was easily accessible from an app.
As a result, the City of Key West’s on-demand service and Lower Keys Shuttle have been overwhelmed.
Now, the drivers would like your help. Here is how you can get involved — from the team at Conch Connect. Here is how you can help:
Dear Residents of Key West & Stock Island,
Monroe County has cut funding for the Conch Connect program as of August 15th. Removing one of our most affordable and sustainable mobility options. But it’s not over yet: on September 3rd, the County Commission will vote on the final budget. We have one last chance to restore funding, and we need your voice.
How You Can Help
Share your story about how Conch Connect helped you, your family, or your business.
Attend the Commission Meeting and speak during public comment. Even a short statement matters.
Date: September 3, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Harvey Government Center
Address: 1200 Truman Avenue 2nd Floor, Key West, FL 33040
Email HERE or call the Monroe County Commissioners and urge them to restore Conch Connect in Key West / Stock Island.
Why It Matters
Essential Access: Workers, students, and patients rely on it daily. Cutting transit isn’t thrift. It’s unfair.
Economic Vitality: Conch Connect drives customers to shops, restaurants, and attractions. A thriving Old Town runs on walkability, not parking lots.
Traffic Relief: The Overseas Highway is maxed out. Transit is one of the only real ways to reduce congestion.
Family Savings: Fewer cars mean thousands saved each year on gas, insurance, and repairs, making island life more affordable.
Without action, Stock Island and Key West will be left with longer waits, heavier traffic, and fewer opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
Let’s keep our islands connected. Please stand with us.
Providing free rides for one or two people at a time was always a terrible use of public funds. There are many more critical things being cut in the budget (e.g., funding for Womankind, which provides critical health services for women in the lower keys).