Tampa to St. Pete Ferry Service Ending Early Amid Contract Dispute

Cross Bay Ferry Service Disruption

• 🚢 The popular Cross Bay Ferry service between Tampa and St. Petersburg is set to end its operations in late April, several months earlier than planned.
• 📈 Despite record ridership last year and plans for year-round service, the ferry is facing an early termination.

Contractual Disagreements and Proposed Changes

• ⚠️ Hillsborough County officials have accused HMS Ferries, the operator, of defaulting on its contract.
• ⏱️ The core issue involves HMS Ferries' proposal to replace the current high-speed ferry with a slower vessel, which would more than double the trip duration from 50 minutes to two hours.
• 🗓️ HMS Ferries was given an April 3rd deadline to secure a suitable high-speed vessel or face contract termination.

Operator's Response and Future Outlook

• ⚓ HMS Ferries stated they do not have an alternative ferry available, leading to the planned service cessation on April 30th.
• 🗣️ Local officials, including St. Pete City Councilman Copley Gertis, expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed slower ferry, deeming it an unacceptable alternative to current traffic congestion.
• 🤝 Discussions are expected among city councils in St. Pete and Tampa, along with Hillsborough County Commissioners, regarding the contract's potential termination.

Potential New Ferry Service

• 🚀 The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is exploring plans to purchase and operate its own ferry service between Tampa and St. Pete, aiming to launch in October.
• 💰 PSTA is seeking financial support, potentially several million dollars from Hillsborough County via an unused federal grant, to facilitate this new service.
• 🗺️ This initiative aims to ensure a transportation option remains available for residents and visitors in the area.