Big transportation news came from downtown Tampa today, with officials announcing major updates on the Tampa Bay Ferry service. The Tampa-St. Pete connector will feature two ships, year-round daily service, and lower fares a dock at the Tampa Convention Center, officials announced today, among other updates.
The dock by the Tampa Convention Center will continue as its Tampa home, while officials are still finalizing where the St. Pete dock will be located. The announcement in Tampa came from a group including the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), the City of Tampa, and representatives from both St. Pete and Tampa City Councils.
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The ferry service will be operated by Hubbard’s Marina, and fares are expected to start at $10 per person one way, which is less than the former Cross-Bay Ferry, with discounts for seniors. Officials said they are targeting a launch in the second half of 2026, as soon as the ships have arrived and been properly updated.
The ships will be fully renovated and include a bar on board with snacks, kid-friendly drinks, and adult beverages. The next step is for the PSTA board to approve the use of federal grants to purchase two vessels for Hubbard’s Marina to operate. A vote is set this week to move the purchase forward.
PSTA had previously identified a 250-passenger ship it intends to purchase with federal grants, which will be an upgrade on the previous ship that carried 149 passengers, and the second vessel is likely coming from the same company. The new ships will also have higher speeds, allowing for quicker transportation. The vessels must first pass all sea trials, tests, and surveys, and they must have Federal Transit Administration approval before the purchase is ratified. The ships cost between $2-2.5 million each.
Hubbard’s Ferry brings deep operational experience, as the family has offered ferry and fishing services in Tampa Bay since the 1930s. What began with Capt. Wilson Hubbard ferrying passengers from Pass-a-Grille’s historic Eighth Avenue pier has grown into a thriving network of on-water businesses. Today, Hubbard’s Ferry operates popular public routes to Egmont Key and Shell Key and will soon expand across Tampa Bay with the new ferry service.
“We’re committed to creating this service the right way, so it’s sustainable for the long term,” said PSTA CEO Brad Miller. “That’s why everyone should be impressed by the effort of the Hubbard’s Marina team, working with our staff, to maximize taxpayer dollars and get two boats with this one federal grant.”
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