The Town of Miami Lakes is taking another step to help struggling restaurants by working with the Freebee ride service to deliver food to customers.
Restaurants that use ride share companies to deliver orders must pay a portion of diners’ checks toward those services.
The Freebee’s electric, open air vehicles are a free alternative that riders summon with an app or a phone call.
The town hopes to see Freebee start delivering for restaurants in early August.
When diners order from a restaurant, staff will be able to summon Freebee to deliver the food to them.
The new program will be free for the town, restaurants and customers, Town Manager Edward Pidermann said.
“Our only intention is to make this program a success,” Pidermann said.
Restaurant owners who want to participate in the program must contact Freebee.
There are three Freebee vehicles in town; two will be used for food delivery, one on the east side, the other on the west side.
For customers who want rides, the large van will work weekdays from 9 a.m. – Noon and 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
For food deliveries, Freebee hours are 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. weekdays and 1 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Just one Freebee will run on Sunday, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Riders may experience a delay in wait times, the town said.
Those with questions may contact town Transportation Planner Michael Zayas-Morales at Zayas-MoralesM@miamilakes-fl.gov.
-- David Snelling