Tampa Bay Ferry Revamp: New Operator, Funding, and Launch Timeline

Tampa Bay Ferry Rebranding and Relaunch

• 🚢 The rebranded Tampa Bay Ferry, formerly the Crossbay Ferry, is set to replace the service that shut down in April.
• 📌 A final vote is scheduled for Wednesday, with the approval of Hubard's Marina as the operator considered a near certainty.

Hubard's Marina: A New Operator with Deep Roots

• ⚓ Hubard's Marina has been selected by the Panella Sun Coast Transit Authorities (PSTA) due to its nearly 100-year history and experience in the region.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 This marks a return to family roots for Hubards, whose predecessors ferried passengers on the barrier islands before bridges existed.

Funding and Vessel Acquisition

• 💰 PSTA will utilize an almost $5 million Federal Transit Administration grant to acquire one or two new boats.
• 🛠️ Hubards will collaborate with PSTA on the process of purchasing the vessels, with the grant funds guiding the decision.
• 🚢 PSTA will own the boats, which is expected to reduce operating costs.

Financial Commitment and Launch Target

• 💸 Tampa and St. Petersburg will each contribute $350,000 annually for operating costs over a 5-year period.
• 🗓️ The goal is for the new ferry service to set sail by the spring or summer of next year, contingent on the final approvals and vessel acquisition timeline.
• 🤝 Local leaders anticipate this project will spur further initiatives in large-scale public transportation to connect Tampa.