The Cross Bay Ferry will officially make its return to the St. Petersburg this November. Pinellas County officials agreed to provide funds that would allow the vessel to run for the next four years. These secured funds mean permanent year-round service would hit the region by 2024.
Pinellas County officals felt that while the ferry provided some benefit to St. Pete and Tampa, it didn’t equally benefit residents county-wide.
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St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman wrote the following after Pinellas County officials gave the green light to funding the ferry:
“All smiles to know the @CrossBayFerryTB will continue. Thanks again to the contributing governments. The ferry is not the answer – it’s one tool. We are slowly changing the culture and getting folks used to water transit. Also good for our economies. Keep cruising! #SunShinesHere.”
Hillsborough County is also moving forward with investing in a commuter ferry. Officials are putting aside $1 million for this service.
The ferry was breaking passenger records back in February 2020. The ferry had 33,144 passengers at that point in the season, compared to 39,103 during its first season, according to a report from Bay News 9.
Cross Bay Ferry previously offered rides Wednesday through Sunday, with fares running $8 each way. We love making use of the alternative transportation when catching Tampa Bay Lightning games, or just exploring the Tampa Riverwalk.
Have you used the Cross-Bay Ferry?
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