The Cross Bay Ferry will make its long-awaited return this weekend, resuming its route between Tampa and St. Petersburg on Friday, October 4. Offering a scenic and convenient travel option, the ferry will operate from Wednesday through Sunday, catering to both residents and visitors seeking a unique way to commute or explore the area. This service reconnects two key cities across the bay, enhancing local transportation and providing an enjoyable experience for passengers.

The Cross Bay Ferry Reels from an Unsure Future

Several local organizations are collaborating to create a more efficient water transit system, potentially independent of the Cross Bay Ferry’s current operator. Pinellas County’s MPO recently reported the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce’s push for a long-term ferry contract with a local operator. The Cross Bay Ferry, run by HMS Ferries since 2016, may see changes as government agreements expire in 2025. Forward Pinellas has contracted Diedrich RPM to study the regional ferry market, aiming for a new operator and year-round service to address ridership declines and improve regional connectivity.

Forward Pinellas has been collaborating with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) of Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Manatee Counties and formed a study committee back in July. The study, led by Diedrich RPM, is supposed to analyze regional waterborne transit demand, including services like Clearwater Ferry and the Gulf Islands Ferry. Hubbard’s Marina already operates a taxi service between Fort De Soto Park and Egmont Key. Pinellas officials hope the study will support a unified ferry system, potentially overseen by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), inspired by Seattle’s transit model. 

The study will offer insights into creating an efficient year-round ferry system, providing necessary data to attract government support and private investment. The Cross Bay Ferry has seen fluctuating ridership and faces challenges with operator bankruptcy and temporary landing locations. Pinellas hopes for a permanent dock and integration with Brightline passenger rail. Steinocher and other stakeholders view the improved ferry system as not only a tourist service but also a critical transportation solution for affordable housing needs.