Cross Bay Ferry service returning to Tampa Bay

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is searching for a ferry operator to bring back daily service from Tampa to St. Petersburg following the suspension of the Cross Bay Ferry last spring. 

The PSTA put out a request for proposals Aug. 5 seeking an experienced private passenger ferry firm to operate a more frequent, year-round service connecting Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Responses are due by 10 am, Thursday, Aug. 28.

Once an operator is selected they will work with PSTA to purchase two ferries that would be docked near the St. Pete Pier. The PSTA says its goal is for the new ferry service to begin in early 2026.