PHOTO VIA SEMINOLE COUNTY FLORIDA
Seminole County has officially launched SCOUT (Website), a new on-demand public transit service designed to give residents a more flexible way to get around. The service began its soft rollout this fall and will fully launch on October 15, replacing several underused fixed bus routes with a system that functions more like a rideshare service.
SCOUT allows riders to request trips through the Ride Freebee app or by calling a dedicated phone line. Instead of following set routes or schedules, passengers are picked up at nearby locations within designated service zones and dropped off at their destinations. The county has been divided into service zones that include areas like Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Longwood, and Oviedo. The system is designed to make local travel easier and to help connect riders with regional transit options like SunRail.
The zones include:
- Monroe Zone — includes Sanford
- Lake Mary Zone — includes Lake Mary and Longwood
- Howell Zone — includes Winter Springs, Casselberry, and Longwood
- Brantley Zone — includes Altamonte Springs, Longwood, and Casselberry
Fares are structured by zone. A one-zone ride costs $4, with each additional zone adding to the price. Trips that cross into another zone cost $7, two-zone rides cost $10, and three-zone trips are $14. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and low-income riders, and short rides to and from SunRail stations are capped at $2. Peak-hour surcharges and fees for extra passengers or large items may apply.
According to county officials, SCOUT is part of a larger plan to modernize Seminole County’s transit network and reduce costs. Traditional bus routes operated by LYNX had seen declining ridership, while maintaining the service remained expensive. The county estimates that SCOUT could save $2 to $5 million annually while reaching more residents with shorter wait times and more direct service.
The SCOUT fleet includes about 35 vans and shuttles, some of which are electric or hybrid and equipped with accessibility features. Service will operate daily, with hours that vary by day of the week. Riders can book trips through the Ride Freebee app or by calling (407) 665-RIDE.
By early 2026, most of Seminole County’s traditional fixed-route bus service will be phased out, leaving SCOUT as the primary local transit option.
