The future of ferry transportation in Tampa Bay is taking another major step forward, with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarding the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) $16.5 million through the Passenger Ferry Grant Program to purchase a brand-new vessel for the Tampa Bay Ferry service.
This federal investment will allow PSTA to add a brand-new vessel to the Tampa Bay Ferry service fleet, which already includes the used 1994 Bay Breeze and 1990 Bay Clipper. This new ferry will provide additional capacity, strengthen the long-term reliability and sustainability of the service, and connect downtown St. Petersburg to Tampa.
“Thank you to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Federal Transit Administration for this transformational investment in the future of passenger ferry transportation in Tampa Bay,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “We’re building a ferry service that is designed to be reliable, sustainable, and here for the long term. Adding a brand-new vessel to our fleet gives us the opportunity to deliver the kind of service our community deserves.”
“This $16.5 million federal investment is a tremendous vote of confidence in Tampa Bay and in the future of regional transportation,” said Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Chair of the PSTA Board of Directors. “We have been intentional about building this service the right way from the beginning. Owning our vessels, partnering with local maritime expertise, and investing in the infrastructure creates a reliable system that connects our communities to fulfill that vision. This grant helps us take that vision to the next level.”
FTA announced $105 million in competitive funding for the Fiscal Year 2026 Passenger Ferry Program, which supports capital investments in ferry systems throughout the country (Link to FTA). PSTA will begin designing the vessel and securing a U.S. shipbuilder to bring the best vessel for Tampa Bay to our waters by 2029 or 2030.
The Bay Breeze vessel just recently arrived in Tarpon Springs and has begun refurbishment at Tarpon Marine, Inc. The Bay Clipper is expected to arrive in the coming weeks and will also begin refurbishment.