Tampa and St. Petersburg moved forward Thursday with plans for a new cross-bay ferry service, with both cities voting on funding agreements.

Tampa approved a five-year interlocal agreement that includes up to $350,000 annually for the ferry, which will be called the Tampa Bay Ferry. St. Petersburg was also scheduled to vote on contributing up to $350,000 per year and providing docking space at no additional charge.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) will oversee ferry operations and is using part of a $4.8 million federal grant to purchase at least one boat. Tampa Bay Sea Taxi, operated by Hubbards Marina, has been selected under a preliminary agreement to run the service.

If both cities approve their agreements, PSTA will vote on its portion in early December.

Officials say the new arrangement will reduce operating costs compared to the previous Cross Bay Ferry, which ceased operations earlier this year. The former service was run by HMS Ferries, a Massachusetts-based company that brought seasonal crews and boats to Florida.

Darden Rice, PSTA’s chief planning and community affairs officer, said the new structure eliminates costs like room and board for out-of-state employees. The authority also plans to supply diesel fuel at below-market rates and use capital funds to expand the fleet.

PSTA has not yet determined ticket prices or a launch date for the new ferry service.

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(Image credit: HMS Ferries)

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