By Harry Saltzgaver

Long Beach has launched a trial run for a new, free shuttle service downtown in partnership with a firm called The Free Ride.

The shuttles are gas-free, electric cars similar to an extended golf cart. There are three rows of seats is each shuttle and the company says each is equipped with safety features.

The shuttles were visible in downtown streets over the weekend, operating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the three-day Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach event.

The Free Ride offers free transportation anywhere within its designated travel zone — Fifth Street to the north, Alamitos Avenue to the East, Shoreline Drive to the south and the 710 Freeway to the west.

First District Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez said that the trial will run the next two months, operating 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The Public Works Department is using $100,000 of Prop. A money to pay for the trial.

Officials declined to say how many vehicles would be deployed during the trial, although it was called a fleet. There is a smartphone application, The Free Ride, available to request a pick-up.

At the end of the two-month trial, city officials will evaluate its success, and decide whether to make it a permanent program. For more information, go to www.thefreeride.com.