News Summary
Hillsborough County has terminated the contract for the Cross Bay Ferry six months early due to the operator’s inability to meet contractual obligations. This decision follows the operator’s proposal to replace the high-speed ferry with a slower vessel, nearly doubling travel time. Many passengers took one last ride on April 30, 2023, expressing disappointment over the ferry’s discontinuation. Local officials are now seeking a new ferry provider to restore cross-bay transportation options.
Tampa, Florida
Hillsborough County has officially terminated the contract for the Cross Bay Ferry, bringing an end to its popular service linking Tampa and St. Petersburg. The ferry, operated by HMS Ferries, made its final scheduled trips on April 30, 2023, following a decision from county officials to cut the contract six months early due to the operator’s inability to fulfill its contractual obligations.
The decision arose particularly from a proposal by HMS Ferries to replace the existing high-speed vessel with a smaller and slower boat. This new vessel would have nearly doubled the travel time across the bay—from approximately 50 minutes to nearly 2 hours—breaching terms set forth in the original contract.
On the last day of operation, many passengers took one last ride, reminiscing about the convenience and enjoyment the ferry provided. Several were on their way to a Tampa Bay Lightning playoff game, contributing to a surge in ridership as residents attempted to catch a final ride on the ferry.
Among the last passengers was a local resident who had lived in the area for five years. They specifically chose the final day of service to experience the ferry ride to downtown Tampa. Other riders expressed disappointment over the service’s end, citing their positive experiences and the ferry’s utility as a pleasant alternative to driving, which could take as long or longer than the ferry ride.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen emphasized that the proposed change to a slower vessel did not adhere to the requirements of the service contract and warranted the decision to terminate it early. Regular ferry riders acknowledged the operational challenges but lamented that the increased travel time would likely deter casual outings.
The current high-speed ferry is scheduled to return to its home port in Boston, leaving a gap in cross-bay transportation options. In light of this void, local governments, including Hillsborough County and Pinellas County, are actively seeking a new ferry provider, aiming to restore cross-bay connections in the near future.
In the previous year, the Cross Bay Ferry transported over 72,000 passengers across the Tampa Bay area, showcasing its popularity among locals and tourists alike. The last day of service saw many riders reflecting on fond memories while hoping for a swift return of a fast ferry service in the coming months.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is currently exploring options to purchase and operate a new ferry service with a goal to commence operations by October. However, there remains uncertainty regarding whether Hillsborough County officials will support funding for this new service using unspent federal grant money.
As the region gears up for potential alternatives, residents express hope for a new ferry service that can provide the speed and efficiency that many have come to rely on for cross-bay travel. With local agencies actively pursuing solutions, the future of ferry transportation in the Tampa Bay area remains in the works.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Cross Bay Ferry Final Voyage
- Wikipedia: Cross Bay Ferry
- WTSP: Cross Bay Ferry Ending
- Google Search: Cross Bay Ferry Tampa
- ABC Action News: Cross Bay Ferry Future
- Google Scholar: Cross Bay Ferry Tampa
- WTSP: Hillsborough County Ferry Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ferry Transportation
- Fox 13 News: Cross Bay Ferry Video
- Google News: Cross Bay Ferry
