For Immediate Release
August 28th, 2026
PSTA Awarded $16.5 Million Federal Grant to Purchase New Ferry for Tampa Bay Ferry Service
Major federal investment will fund new passenger ferry vessel and strengthen long-term future of regional ferry service
Pinellas County, FL – 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.
“This grant is another significant milestone for the Tampa Bay Ferry service,” added Miller. “From the beginning, we’ve talked about building a service that can succeed for decades, not just years. With vessels arriving, refurbishment underway, and now the federal support to add a brand-new boat to the fleet, we are closer than ever to making this vision a reality.”
Once refurbishment of the Bay Breeze and Bay Clipper is near completion, PSTA will announce a start date for the service later this year.
Amanda Boisen
Interim Communications & Public Relations Manager
C: (727) 288-6500
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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