News Summary
Pinellas County officials are exploring the possibility of taking control of the Cross Bay Ferry operations after a record-breaking season. Aiming to improve ferry service for residents, local leaders are considering managing operations themselves and possibly adding another ferry to accommodate commuters. However, disagreements with Hillsborough County over a federal grant for ferry upgrades have created hurdles. With discussions underway towards regional collaboration, Pinellas officials are optimistic about enhancing transportation options in the Tampa Bay area.
Pinellas County Eyes Bigger Role in Cross Bay Ferry Operations
The Cross Bay Ferry’s Spotlight Season
Right now, there’s quite a buzz in Pinellas County as local officials are discussing plans for taking more control over the popular Cross Bay Ferry. Last year, this ferry service had a record-breaking season, ferrying an impressive 72,000 passengers across the sparkling waters between the Tampa Convention Center and the Port of St. Petersburg. That’s no small feat!
Time to Re-think Operations
The ferry is currently running under the management of a private company based in Boston and is supported financially by the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, along with their counties. However, officials in Pinellas might be ready to change the game. They are eyeing the opportunity to manage the operations themselves and even dreaming about adding their very own ferry boat to the fleet!
The idea is to transition the service from just a fun seasonal ride to a reliable commuting option for residents. This could be a game-changer, especially for those commuting to work or just looking for a quicker way to beat traffic.
A Stumbling Block with Hillsborough County
However, there’s a bit of a roadblock in the form of some ongoing disagreements with Hillsborough County. Right now, Hillsborough has a federal grant of nearly $5 million that could potentially buy a new ferry. But this grant has been sitting unused since 2022, and if it isn’t put to work soon, it will expire. Hillsborough’s transit authority has decided not to use the grant, prompting suggestions from Pinellas to transfer those funds to support their own plans for acquiring a ferry boat.
Unfortunately, cooperation has proved difficult. Some Hillsborough County officials have expressed opposition, claiming that Pinellas is sidestepping local decisions related to ferry operations. This tension has slowed down any progress toward moving the grant funds and improving ferry service.
Regional Collaboration: A Mixed Bag
Let’s not forget that the history of regional transit collaboration in the Tampa Bay area has not been entirely smooth sailing. Issues with previous joint transit authorities have raised concerns about shared governance. But, the good news is discussions are underway, guided by state legislature, to explore the possibility of merging transit planning organizations including Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. A united front might just do the trick to put some steam back into our ferry service!
Service Needs Improvement
Currently, the ferry doesn’t exactly run like clockwork. Its service schedule is pretty sparse, and many residents have noted it doesn’t operate at all on most Mondays and Tuesdays. With Pinellas looking to acquire a vessel, this could pave the way for a more reliable schedule—bringing in possible $1 million annually in federal funds to help cover operating expenses.
Navigating Forward Amid Confusion
The location of the ferry dock has also raised eyebrows, with many locals suggesting that moving it from a more vibrant area to the port has contributed to a decline in ridership. Local governments and community leaders have made it clear that improving ferry service is essential to tackling road congestion and traffic troubles in the area.
Pinellas officials are diving into research and discussions with local metropolitan planning organizations to explore better waterborne transit options as part of their operational overhaul. With intricate negotiations and criticism of past management inefficiencies in the air, it’s clear that the path forward needs a bit of clarity.
Community & Decisions Ahead
As the conversation continues, the community is keeping a close eye on how this will all unfold. Pinellas and Hillsborough counties have an opportunity to come together and create a more connected, easy-going transport solution for residents, and everyone is eager to see if they can navigate the waters of cooperation successfully.
Whether this leads to a new ferry for Pinellas or a more accommodating relationship with Hillsborough, it’s a hot topic that will undoubtedly keep folks talking in the coming weeks!
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Additional Resources
- TBN Weekly: Pinellas County Eyes Bigger Role in Cross Bay Ferry Operations
- St. Pete Catalyst: Cross Bay Ferry Service to Return and Will Go Year-Round in 2024
- WTSP: Cross Bay Ferry Dates & Schedule 2023
- Wikipedia: Transportation in Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ferry
