A new Tampa Bay ferry service plans to run daily between Tampa and St. Petersburg with two vessels and a downtown Tampa dock, marking a shift from the single-boat model that limited the previous Cross-Bay Ferry.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, which leads the project, is expected to vote this week on a plan to buy and renovate two vessels using a $4.8 million federal grant.
If approved, the two-boat model would allow daily service and improve reliability across the bay.
PSTA said the boats would dock at the east end of the Tampa Convention Center, placing passengers within walking distance of downtown Tampa and the bridge to Harbour Island.
Under the proposal, the vessels would be selected from three candidates identified through a national search by PSTA and its operator, Hubbard’s Marina. The options include boats located in San Francisco, Seattle and western Louisiana, with purchase and renovation costs ranging from about $2 million to $2.5 million per vessel.
Each vessel would require upgrades before entering service. Depending on the vessel, upgrades could include new interiors, engine work and mechanical improvements. The agency estimates renovation timelines of three to six months for two of the options and up to 18 months for the third.
In addition, each boat would need to be transported to Tampa Bay on a larger vessel after purchase, adding another step before service begins.
PSTA said it is targeting a one-way fare of about $10, lower than the previous service. The boats are also expected to offer onboard concessions, such as snacks and beverages.
However, the service will not launch until the vessels are acquired, retrofitted, tested and delivered. Officials did not provide a start date and said timing will depend on how quickly those steps are completed.
The Tampa dock will mirror the previous Cross-Bay Ferry stop at the convention center. During major events, such as Gasparilla or Special Operations Forces Week, when the dock is in use, the agency said it will identify alternate locations to maintain service.
Officials have not yet announced a final dock location in St. Petersburg.
More frequent service could shift some trips off the road and increase traffic into downtown Tampa and the St. Petersburg waterfront, particularly if the system runs daily.
The two-boat model also adds operational flexibility. If one vessel goes offline for maintenance, the second can continue service.
If the board approves the plan, PSTA staff and its operator will begin inspections and negotiations for the vessels, followed by renovation and delivery. The selected boats will receive new names before entering service.
The plan marks the next step toward restarting a ferry service that drew steady demand but struggled to run consistently with a single vessel.
Read More Tampa Bay Business News
Explore the latest Tampa Bay business news, real estate deals, development projects, executive moves and company updates shaping the region.