PSTA

The acquisition of the MV Bay Breeze will proceed only after inspection and federal transit approval. The boat is larger and faster and should provide more convenient rides than the previous ferry.

Business owners say the ferry would help bolster sales, while city officials say it could lead to a more cooperative effort to create a regional transit system.

PSTA responds to shifting commute patterns, with many people working remotely. In a county dominated by the tourism and hospitality industries, that means more night and weekend service.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority approved transferring a $4.8 million federal grant to its Pinellas counterpart to buy one or two boats that could replace the Cross Bay Ferry.

It approved a nearly $5 million grant to purchase two new ferries, and now awaits a vote by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority.

For now, the Cross Bay Ferry — which has operated since 2016 — is no longer in service.

The ferry service will operate Thursday through Sunday after a boat crashed into it, killing one person and injuring several others.

Said Whit Blanton, executive director of Forward Pinellas: “This region is one of the fastest growing in the country, and as a result, everybody wants to get everywhere – seemingly all at once. So, we really need to pool our resources and work better together to meet those growing demands.”

Late last year, the Federal Transit Administration said it made a mistake allowing local transit agencies to partner with companies like Uber and Lyft for services, since those companies don't drug test their drivers.

Plans call for it to operate multiple times on Thursday to Sunday starting Nov. 1.

The money will buy 12 electric buses, four hybrid buses, 12 charging stations, 12 depot chargers and equipment.

State Senator Darryl Rouson blocked consideration of the bill in the Senate.