Tampa Bay’s ferry service is moving closer to a comeback with two new vessels secured for the route between Tampa and St. Pete.
New Vessels and Operator
The boats are expected to bring more flexibility to the service, including more departure options during peak times and a backup option when one vessel needs maintenance.
One of the boats is similar in size to the previous Cross Bay Ferry vessel, while the other is significantly larger, increasing overall capacity to 250 passengers.
Local officials began searching for a new arrangement after declining a proposal to replace the ferry’s successful vessel with a slower and more expensive option.
Local Operator and Focus
This time, the boats will be owned locally, and Pinellas County-based Hubbard’s Marina will operate the service.
Hubbard’s Marina has been a fixture in the Tampa Bay area for nearly a century and says the goal is to create a more locally focused experience onboard.
Captain Dylan Hubbard says the new service will highlight local businesses, with plans to feature food, drinks and products from Bay Area restaurants and breweries.
The long term goal is to operate the ferry year-round between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Cost and Launch Date
Hubbard says the goal is to keep tickets affordable, with prices expected to be around $10.
A firm launch date has not been announced, but service could return sometime in October or November, pending renovations to the vessels and coast guard inspections.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
