Hillsborough Officials Decide the Fate of the Cross Bay Ferry Service

TAMPA, Fla. – On Wednesday, Hillsborough County commissioners made a significant decision regarding the future of the Cross Bay Ferry service. The board voted unanimously (6-0) to end the contract with HMS Ferries, the operator of the ferry since its inception in 2017, due to contract violations. Commissioner Joshua Wostal was the only member absent during the vote.

Contract Termination Details

• Effective Date: HMS Ferries will cease operations on April 30—six months earlier than initially planned.
• Reason for Termination: Hillsborough County officials accused HMS Ferries of defaulting on contract terms, particularly its plan to replace the existing ferry with a slower vessel that would take approximately two hours for each crossing. The current ferry completes the journey in about an hour.

Concerns from Local Leaders

Tampa and St. Petersburg officials expressed strong disapproval of HMS Ferries’ proposed changes. In a letter from John Muller, Director of Facilities Management and Real Estate Services, the company was given until April 3 to rectify the situation or face termination of the contract.

“Should HMS confirm to us either before or by April 3 that they cannot provide a vessel that complies with the contract requirements after April 30, then our intention is to recommend termination of the contract at midnight on April 30, 2025,” Muller stated.

Despite prior assurances, HMS Ferries communicated that they would be unable to deliver a ferry that meets the required speed and instead opted to end the agreement early.

Cross Bay Ferry Performance Metrics

• Popularity: The ferry has frequently sold out during weekends and special events, attracting over 72,000 riders last year, marking a record for the service.
• Service Disruptions: A transition to a slower ferry ignited concerns regarding customer satisfaction and ridership levels.

Future Prospects for Ferry Services

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), previously uninvolved with the Cross Bay Ferry, is exploring the potential to acquire and operate its own ferry beginning in October. While the initiative is still in the planning stages, Amanda Baird, a spokesperson for PSTA, noted the importance of maintaining this transportation option:

“Being able to have a local crew and a local vessel would reduce the operating cost of the service.”

Financial Implications and Community Responses

The PSTA’s ability to fund a new ferry service remains uncertain. Various Hillsborough County commissioners have indicated reluctance to support financial involvement, focusing instead on pressing needs like road repairs.

“Our number one complaint is roads, not ferries, and that’s probably what we should be spending money on,” Wostal remarked.

In contrast, Pinellas commissioners had previously ceased funding for the Cross Bay Ferry and may need to reassess their stance if PSTA takes over operations with a new vessel.

Conclusion

The future of the Cross Bay Ferry hangs in the balance as Hillsborough County moves forward with terminating its contract with HMS Ferries. As local leaders explore alternative solutions, including possibly reestablishing ferry service through the PSTA, community feedback and public interest in rapid transit options will be crucial in navigating this transition.

For more information on ferry services in Tampa Bay, check out ABC Action News and Tampa Bay Times.

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