The Free Ride

They say, “everything’s better when it’s free,” right? Well, I think we can all agree this applies if it means you don’t have to worry about parking, gas or road rage.

Well, worry no longer, Hamptons Free Ride is back! The company annually hits the East End from Memorial Day weekend to Sept. 30, providing free rides for those in need of a lift.

The environmentally sound electric vehicles will pick you up from one of its many designated locations and bring you anywhere within its range of coverage, for free! How though?

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Free Ride at Sloppy Tuna Courtesy of thefreeride.com

Free Ride is the business brain child of local entrepreneurs Alex Esposito and Jimmy Mirras. The Hampton’s Free Ride, their first ever output of the company, began as an electric shuttle service in East Hampton, NY in 2011.

The company’s main objective was to help the parking issues in their hometown, which they successfully have! How is it free though?

Instead of charging patrons a fare, clients pay to advertise on the fuel-less vehicles. As the company grew, the concept caught like wildfire and Free Ride went beyond its humble beginning here on the East End and on to 4 locations on Long Island, 1 in New Jersey, 1 in Florida and 2 in California, making 8 throughout the nation, with plans for more!

Not only have they become a leader in innovative transportation, but also as a premier advertising channel attracting clients in the likes of flourishing brands, municipal services and businesses on both a local and national caliber, all while helping the environment.

Photo: The Free Ride

Photo: The Free Ride

Locals have been known to man the wheels of these vehicles, so while you’re driven to your destination, whether it be The Sloppy Tuna, Main Beach or the train station, ask them what’s up! They know what restaurants to eat at or might even fill you in on where everyone will be that night. Chances are you’ll get some sweet local knowledge and a promo freebie if you’re nice.

The Free Ride will be running in Montauk, Amagansett, East Hampton and Southampton seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. this summer. For more info on how to track Free Ride down, check out http://thefreeride.com/