July 24, 2025
Following our recent article on the discontinuation of Conch Connect, Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln responded with thoughtful insights. She reaffirmed the County’s shared goal of reducing car dependency and explained that the Freebee pilot, while well-intentioned, resulted in mostly single-passenger trips—undermining its purpose and potentially increasing traffic.
We appreciate Commissioner Lincoln’s transparency and her openness to future solutions. However, as we noted in our reply, workers were using Conch Connect, and there’s no evidence it cannibalized existing transit services. More importantly, no viable alternative has been proposed.
Last year the County’s Transit Director presented a vision for using electric vans as circulators serving neighborhoods up and down the Keys while implementing a 30-minute connecting service along the Overseas Highway from Key Largo to downtown Key West using passenger coaches. As the County builds towards this vision, if it is indeed even still on the table and if we’re serious about tackling congestion and supporting our workforce, the County can act right now by:
- Boosting Frequency: Contribute more to Key West Transit so the 90-120 minute frequency on the Lower Keys Shuttle increases to hourly service this year and 30-minute service next year. Do the same for Workforce Express.
- Funding the Vision: Use a dedicated increase in tourist taxes to sustainably fund expanded service.
- Building Neighborhood Transit: Implement on-demand or fixed-route circulator services in Stock Island, the Lower Keys, Marathon, Islamorada, Key Colony and Key Largo.
Locals consistently rank traffic and affordability as top concerns. A robust transit system addresses both—reducing the need for car ownership and its financial burden.
We’re grateful for Commissioner Lincoln’s engagement and hope this dialogue sparks real action to not just repeal the County’s fledgling service but to replace it with something better.
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Chris Hamilton is the founder of Friends of Car-Free Key West & Duval Street/Historic Downtown, a local advocacy group championing sustainable mobility and vibrant public spaces. Subscribe to the blog and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Substack for updates. All stories are cross posted at KONK Life News. Originally from Washington, D.C., Chris spent over two decades leading nationally acclaimed initiatives in transit, biking, walking, and smart growth for Arlington County, VA’s DOT. Since moving to Key West in 2015, he has embraced a car-free lifestyle downtown, dedicating his time to non-profits and community projects. Explore all Streets for People column articles here.