The longstanding ferry service connecting both sides of Tampa Bay has been terminated, as Hillsborough County ended its contract with the Cross Bay Ferry. This decision comes after nearly a decade of operation. HMS Ferries, the previous operator, intended to introduce a slower vessel that would have extended the travel time from the Tampa Convention Center to the Port of St. Pete to two hours. In response, local authorities opted to conclude the service prematurely on April 30.
A search for a new ferry operator is already in motion, with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority tasked with finding a suitable replacement. Recruitment efforts are set to commence this summer, with proposals expected to be reviewed in the coming months. The agency aims to have the ferry service operational again by fall.
Since its inception in 2016, the ferry has been a seasonal service, supported by over $6 million in contributions from the major cities within the Tampa Bay area and their respective counties. However, recent challenges, including the bankruptcy of its then-parent company, The Hornblower Group, have complicated operations. The ferry division was sold to Tidal Maritime LLC, a new entity.
Last year, approximately 72,000 passengers used the ferry service. However, ridership significantly dropped to just 27,000 between October and February, largely due to hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Anticipated changes with a new operator include potentially higher fares, especially during peak hours. Current fares are capped at $12 each way. The majority of passengers utilize the service on Fridays and weekends, indicating a preference for leisure travel over commuting. Local officials are exploring options to make the ferry service a year-round offering tailored to regional needs.
Efforts to restart ferry service depend on a federal grant, nearly $5 million, which could be pivotal for procuring a ferry boat. While Hillsborough County currently holds this grant, they do not intend to use it, but its transfer to Pinellas could significantly reduce operating expenses and allow for increased service frequency.
However, some Hillsborough officials are hesitant to transfer the grant without formal support from the Pinellas County Commission. The Pinellas transit authority, an independent entity, would assume responsibility for purchasing and managing the boat, not the county government itself. The Hillsborough transit board plans to revisit the decision to transfer the grant in early May.
If the grant is not transferred, Pinellas will need to secure a vendor capable of providing its own ferry, potentially increasing the annual operational costs of the service.