The Tampa Bay Ferry is set to return, this time as a year-round transportation option. The service will connect downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg with daily routes, expanding transit choices for residents and visitors in both cities.
During a press conference, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) CEO Brad Miller said they approved expanding the service to two vessels. In December, the board approved the purchase of the Bay Breeze ferry boat from San Francisco, which can carry more than 200 passengers. Officials are also working to acquire the San Juan Clipper from Seattle, with the Candy Stripe vessel from Morgan City, Louisiana, identified as a backup option.
The ferry will operate year-round, seven days a week. One-way fares will be $10, with discounted rates available for seniors and military personnel.
In Tampa, the ferry will dock at the Tampa Convention Center. In St. Petersburg, officials are discussing plans for a temporary dock near The Vinoy.
"Everywhere I go one thing people tell me all the time is we need more transit and less congestion. This is one step towards that agenda," said Alan Clendenin, Tampa City Council Chairman.
Officials said the ferry will boost economic activity in both cities and improve overall quality of life.
David Ingram, the executive director of the Tampa Convention Center, said he welcomes the ferry's arrival at the convention center.
"Every year at the convention center we bring over 300,000 attendees," Ingram said. "By brining in these high impact events to the area, we're not only brining in attendees but we're also brining in key economic dollar value for both the hospitality industry as well as the city. We look forward to this partnership."
Speakers at the announcement emphasized the convenience the ferry will provide, particularly during major events when parking can be limited, such as games for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"One key element of transit is it has to be frequent and it has to be reliable," Clendenin said.
Officials said the goal is for the ferry to become a viable transportation option for residents, not just visitors.
The transit authority aims to launch the service by the end of the year, contingent on securing a second vessel. Initial operations are expected to run Thursday through Sunday before expanding to daily service.