When I paid for my first schuttle ride it stated newbies get a free one time ride. I picked the place I wanted to go to my faction and am charged the normal amount stated. Is this a change or a glitch?
Its how it should be. The 'free' nature is because you are given sufficient credits at the beginning for free to cover the cost of all NPC transport options.
just change the wording then, remove "free" from the description and problem solved. and of course making sure there is enough credits to pay for any trip using the service as starting credits.
Better to simply make it free is we can. GIves the players a chance to pick up some of the rudimentary gear from the shop or rent a speeder to drive around while waiting for a ride.