News Summary
The Cross Bay Ferry, an essential transport link between Tampa and St. Petersburg, will end service earlier than planned on April 30, 2025, due to a contract default by HMS Ferries. The ferry service, popular among commuters and tourists, is facing challenges with operational capacity that may lead to longer travel times with a proposed slower replacement vessel. Local officials are concerned, and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is exploring alternatives for future service. Discussions are underway to maintain ferry transportation in the region.
Tampa and St. Petersburg’s Cross Bay Ferry Service Faces Early Closure
The beloved Cross Bay Ferry, which connects the picturesque cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, is set to wrap up its service earlier than expected, with the final journeys occurring on April 30, 2025. This news comes as a disappointment for many commuters and tourists who have enjoyed this scenic route across the bay.
Contract Default Leads to Changes
Details emerging from Hillsborough County reveal that the operator of the ferry, HMS Ferries, has allegedly defaulted on their contract. County officials expressed concerns regarding the current ferry’s capability, leading to this unwelcome twist in the ferry’s story. A recent communication from Hillsborough County’s Director of Facilities Management and Real Estate Services has indicated plans to replace the current ferry with a slower vessel, which could see travel times balloon from one hour to two hours.
The jump in ferry duration is less than ideal for many, especially for those accustomed to the swift service provided over the past years. The proposed vessel simply does not meet the required standards set by the contract, resulting in the unfortunate classification of a default. The timeline is critical, as HMS Ferries must find a suitable replacement ship that meets the contractual criteria by April 3, 2025, to avoid the termination of the agreement.
Popularity of the Service
Despite the troubles looming over the ferry service, it gained a significant following, with last year seeing over 72,000 riders. What started as a seasonal venture has blossomed into a vital transport option for both residents and visitors alike. The end of service means that many riders will be left searching for alternatives to traverse the waterway.
City Officials React
Local leaders have expressed their disappointment regarding the ferry’s premature ending, highlighting its importance as a convenient travel option. As any regular commuter knows, an extended ferry trip would mirror the dreadful traffic times often experienced while driving. Discussions are on the horizon, as the City Councils of St. Petersburg and Tampa, alongside the Hillsborough County Commission, will need to consider what this early contract termination means for the ferry service’s future.
Potential Plans for a New Ferry Service
In a proactive response to the looming closure, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is already exploring possibilities for acquiring and operating a ferry on their own, with targets set for an independent service beginning as early as October. PSTA representatives are committed to keeping the dream of ferry transportation alive, with efforts underway aimed at maintaining service continuity in the region.
Financial support could potentially come from an unused federal grant currently available to Hillsborough County. However, clarity on the approval status from county leaders remains uncertain, posing additional challenges for any upcoming ferry services.
Looking Forward
As the dust settles on this contract situation, PSTA is expected to roll out a Request for Proposals (RFP), targeting potential options for future ferry services. This initiative will be carried out in collaboration with various local governmental bodies, indicating a collective interest in ensuring ferry transportation can continue, albeit possibly in a different form.
Although the news of the Cross Bay Ferry’s early ending is tough to swallow, officials and community members alike remain hopeful for improved ferry services in the not-so-distant future. The ferry has been in operation since 2017, serving as a critical link between the two bustling cities, and its legacy may pave the way for new and better options on the bay.
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Additional Resources
- WFLA: Cross Bay Ferry Expected to End Service This Month
- Wikipedia: Cross Bay Ferry
- St. Pete Catalyst: On the Rocks – Cross Bay Ferry’s Future is Cloudy
- Google Search: Cross Bay Ferry Service Closure
- ABC Action News: Cross Bay Ferry Contract Likely to End in April
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ferry Services
- WTSP: Cross Bay Ferry Year-Round Schedule 2024-2025
- Google News: Cross Bay Ferry
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
