Hubbard’s Marina Chosen for New Cost-Effective Tampa Bay Ferry Service, Boosting Regional Transit

A local boat operator won the bid to run Tampa Bay's ferry service, cutting hourly costs in half. Hubbard's Marina, through their new branch Tampa Bay Sea Taxi, Inc., will take the helm of water transport between the two cities.

The firm's $276.50 hourly rate marks a sharp drop from HMS Ferries' previous costs. This shift puts a local business with deep maritime roots at the wheel of bay transport.

"With this solicitation, I think another win for the agency was that we were able to address significant inefficiencies from the prior contract that we had with the Cross Bay Ferry," said Al Burns, director of procurement, according to St. Pete Catalyst.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority aims to seal a five-year deal by late October 2025. First, both city councils must approve the plan, which needs $350,000 in joint city support.

Since 1928, the Hubbard name has meant boats at John's Pass. Their skills stretch from running 132-passenger charters to fixing vessels at their Gulfport shop. Nearly a century of water wisdom backs their bid.

Plans are taking shape for a lasting ferry stop by the Museum of History in St. Petersburg. This $2.85 million dock project includes an $850,000 grant from Rep. Kathy Castor, pending final sign-off.

For now, boats will pick up riders at Vinoy Yacht Basin, the old Cross Bay Ferry spot through October 2023. Military engineers have cleared this short-term fix.

PSTA's chief planning officer, Darden Rice, spoke of careful steps ahead: "It's crucial to ensure that all legal, financial and policy details are thoroughly vetted. It makes sense for PSTA, for our municipal partners and, most importantly, for our taxpayers."

A $4.8 million boost came from Hillsborough's transit group last July. PSTA looks toward Washington for more funds to keep the service afloat.