Tampa Bay may soon launch two ferries operating between St. Petersburg and Tampa.

Pinellas County transportation officials are moving forward with plans to acquire up to two high-speed vessels for an enhanced ferry service connecting St. Petersburg and Tampa. Funding for this initiative is set to come from a .86 million federal grant that is nearing its expiration date, aimed at optimizing local transportation options.

Brad Miller, CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), indicated that the acquisition of these vessels is expected to significantly reduce operational costs, saving hundreds of dollars per hour. The PSTA’s executive committee recently voted in favor of accepting the grant, which was originally designated for the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) in 2021. HART had delayed the transfer of the funds, pending formal approval from the PSTA’s governing board to purchase new ferry vessels.

The urgency of this development arises in light of the recent cessation of the seasonal Cross Bay Ferry service, which had provided transportation across Tampa Bay since 2016. HART terminated its operating agreement with Boston-based HMS Ferries in April 2023, which led to the Cross Bay Ferry making its final trip on May 1, 2023. Stakeholders in the area have long expressed a desire for increased ferry frequency, particularly after HMS Ferries announced plans to replace their previous vessel with one that operates at a significantly slower speed.

Miller emphasized that securing two vessels instead of just one would provide greater operational flexibility, allowing for extended hours and increased trip frequency. He noted that while PSTA might only be able to afford one new vessel, there are many used options available that could meet the service needs.

The original intent for the federal grant was to purchase a new vessel and broaden the ferry service to include a route from MacDill Air Force Base to Apollo Beach. However, commissioner concerns regarding a projected million price tag halted those plans, leading to a preference for investing more than billion in road improvements instead.

Currently, the Cross Bay Ferry’s permit to dock in St. Petersburg expired in October 2023, resulting in reduced ridership as the service adjusted to a new location at Port St. Pete. However, Miller reported that ridership has remained robust, with local trips to St. Petersburg witnessing strong interest since the pandemic.

Miller further indicated that obtaining the vessels would enable local operators without prior boat ownership to enter the competitive bidding process for enhanced ferry service, aiming to create a reliable year-round operation. Operational costs for the Cross Bay Ferry had previously exceeded 0 per hour, and Miller projected that a new service could potentially reduce ticket prices or eliminate local subsidies.

As PSTA moves ahead, the grant transfer must receive HART’s approval. Should HART decline the agreement, PSTA is prepared to seek proposals from private entities with the capacity to provide suitable vessels, a scenario which would likely increase the financial burden on local governments. In the event of service failure, PSTA could sell its acquired vessels.

Support from local leaders, including St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, underscores the community’s backing for this ferry initiative, which Miller described as a popular and pleasant transit option for both residents and visitors. The establishment of this ferry service is anticipated to enhance the overall efficiency and appeal of public transportation in the Tampa Bay area.

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