For Immediate Release
December 3rd, 2025
PSTA Board Unanimously Selects Hubbard’s Marina to Operate Tampa Bay Ferry Service
Board Also votes to approve a contingent purchase of a ferry vessel
St. Petersburg, FL – The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) Board of Directors voted unanimously today to select Hubbard’s Marina as the official operator for the Tampa Bay Ferry, a major step forward in creating a reliable, sustainable, and convenient water-based transportation option for Tampa Bay residents and visitors.
The approval authorizes PSTA to enter into a five-year operating contract with Hubbard’s Marina, with an option to extend the agreement for an additional five years. This milestone follows extensive evaluation of proposals, community conversations, and strong regional support for expanding mobility options across the bay.
“Today’s vote reflects our shared commitment to developing a reliable, enjoyable, and forward-thinking ferry service for the Tampa Bay region,” said Deborah Figgs-Sanders, PSTA Board Chair and St. Petersburg City Councilwoman. “Hubbard’s Marina brings decades of maritime expertise and a deep understanding of our local waterways. Their partnership is essential to creating a service that is built to last and one that the region can be proud of.”
Hubbard’s Marina, a family-owned local business established in 1928, brings nearly a century of experience operating passenger vessels in the Gulf Coast region. Under the new contract, Tampa Bay Sea Taxi, Inc.—the company established by Hubbard’s Marina to operate the ferry—will oversee vessel management, staffing, safety, and daily operations.
The Board of Directors also approved the purchase of a ferry vessel that has been identified in the San Franscisco area—contingent on a series of tests and approvals. This ferry has a capacity of 250 passengers, while the previous Cross-Bay Ferry had a maximum capacity of only 149. The vessel must first pass all sea trials, tests, and surveys, and it must have Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approval before the purchase is ratified.
“We are excited to work with Hubbard’s Marina, alongside the City of St. Petersburg, the City of Tampa, and FTA to expand regional mobility in Tampa Bay,” said Brad Miller, Chief Executive Officer of PSTA. “If this new vessel gets all the appropriate approvals, this will give us the opportunity to deliver a sustainable, convenient, and reliable transportation option on a quicker timeline.”
“We are honored to partner with PSTA to bring Tampa Bay the ferry service our cities deserve,” said Tara Hubbard, President and CEO of Tampa Bay Sea Taxi, Inc. “This service not only connects communities, it showcases Tampa Bay’s beauty, supports local businesses, and gives residents a new way to travel without sitting in traffic.”
The Tampa Bay Ferry is expected to offer scenic, efficient cross-bay transportation that supports commuters, tourists, and recreational riders alike, easing roadway congestion while providing a memorable travel experience on the water.
“To do this right, each step will take time. We’re designing a new service that’s sustainable, not restarting an old one that struggled to pay its bills,” PSTA Chair Figgs-Sanders said. PSTA has already identified significant savings over the previous Cross-Bay Ferry by using federal grant dollars to purchase one or more vessels and contracting with a local company to operate the service, instead of an out-of-state firm with crew members who traveled to Tampa Bay and stayed in hotels.”
“We’re excited about the next steps: right boat, right docks, right process. For the right boat, the best option for long-term success could be the slowest: ordering one or more new boats. For the right docks, long-term success hinges on the right locations, which may require permitting and construction. And, for the right process, we’ll create long-term repeat customers by hiring an exceptional crew and making trips seamless,” added Figgs-Sanders.
Stephanie Weaver
PSTA Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 249-6542
E: sweaver@psta.net
ABOUT PINELLAS SUNCOAST TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Since 1903, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has served as the premier public transit provider for Pinellas County, Florida’s most densely populated county. The SunRunner, Tampa Bay’s first-ever Bus Rapid Transit service, provides a reliable, car-free option from downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach. With 41 fixed-route bus routes, two express routes to downtown Tampa, the Suncoast Beach trolley, Jolley Trolley and Looper and their paratransit service Access, PSTA provides 10.7 million rides annually. For more information about PSTA, visit www.psta.net