Cross Bay Ferry Back With Extended Season And Extended Hours

TAMPA, FL — It was smooth sailing as commuters and sightseers eagerly lined up to board the Cross Bay Ferry as its new season got underway Thursday.

Following the approval of interlocal agreements with Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg in September, Tampa Bay transit officials are applying for state and federal grants to make the ferry a permanent, year-round service with the addition of a connection between south Hillsborough County and MacDill Air Force Base.

In the meantime, the ferry will resume its seasonal service between Tampa and St. Petersburg for the fifth year.

This year and next year, the ferry service has been extended an additional month, providing ferry service for seven months. Service will continue until May 22.

Ferry operator HMS Ferries is also offering an expanded daily schedule with final departure times from Tampa as late as 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

"Thanks to a great partnership between four local governments, one of the most exciting and reliable ways to travel across Tampa Bay is back," said Matt Miller, HMS Ferries president. "The Cross Bay Ferry offers an incredibly accessible and affordable transportation option between two of the hottest spots in downtown Tampa and downtown St. Pete. What's more, passengers get treated to some amazing views of the bay and both cities."

The Cross Bay Ferry will operate from the same terminal locations as last season. In Tampa, the ferry will depart from the dock at the Tampa Convention Center, and in St. Petersburg from the dock at North Straub Park near the Vinoy Marina.

The schedule includes two departures from each city on Tuesday and Thursday, four departures from each city on Friday and Saturday and three from each on Sunday.

The price will be the same as last season: $10 one way and $20 round trip for adults; $8 one way and $16 round trip for seniors age 65 and older, youth ages 5 to 18, active and retired members of the military and college students; and free service for children age 4 and under.

This year, the Cross Bay Ferry will also offer people who use a wheelchair a discounted rate of $5 one way, $10 round trip.

Residents and visitors can view the full schedule and purchase tickets online or visit the dockside ticket booths in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Beginning this year, Hillsborough County becomes the lead governmental sponsor of the ferry, taking the reins from the city of St. Petersburg.

"Hillsborough County is proud to take the lead on continuing this unique regional partnership. We are glad to be expanding this popular ferry service while also laying the foundation for permanent ferry service in Tampa Bay," said Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp. "Together, we are providing residents and visitors with a fast, fun and affordable way to travel between our communities."

The ferry vessel, named Provincetown III, is a twin-hull aluminum cataran that can carry a maximum of 149 guests at an average speed of 30 mph.

The vessel has a full-service bar with basic food service. Passengers may bring up to two pieces of luggage and one small personal item at no extra charge, and they may also bring bikes on board.

For schedules, tickets and more information visit the Cross Bay Ferry website.

See related story: Cross-Bay Ferry Service Extended For At Least 4 More Years