UPDATE 9/21/16: Tampa Bay's Cross-Bay Ferry begins to take shape with the launch of a new website and more specifics on travel time, launch dates and cost. “The Cross-Bay Ferry is a fantastic example of regional collaboration to take on an important challenge – transportation – in a way that’s exciting to experience and pays homage to our maritime history. Importantly, this is a test project, and we need the community to support this if we want it to continue and expand," said St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman.
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The officials behind the project will begin selling tickets for the ferry online October 15. The group will host an inaugural VIP launch trip in early November, and the first trip open to the public will depart November 4. From November 3 through November 18, community and business organizations can experience the boat Monday through Friday in a series of pre-scheduled "Test the Waters" excursions. Weekday service will begin again the week of November 28 with Monday through Thursday commuter service and mid-day service for recreational and tourist trips.
In December, non-profit organizations will be able to "Make a Splash" and book a portion of the vessel for group sales on limited select dates as a way to support the project. The Cross-Bay Ferry became possible through the joined efforts of four local governments: The City of St. Pete, City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County.
Initial ticket prices will begin at $10 per one-way trip, with special discounts for regular commuters. The vessel, operated by HMS Ferries Inc., is a catamaran design that provides for smooth runs, and measures 55-feet, with room for up to 149 passengers for the approximately 50 minute trip between St. Pete's Vinoy Yacht Basin and Tampa's Convention Center.
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