~~ The Forward Pinellas Market Demand Study indicated the majority of respondents are likely to use waterborne transportation services ~~
Pinellas County, FL – Strong interest in traveling by ferry from Hillsborough and Manatee County is shown in a market demand study conducted by Forward Pinellas, in collaboration with the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. The findings reinforce the role of waterborne transportation as a viable and attractive option for traveling in the Tampa Bay region.
The study builds on a broader regional market demand study conducted in 2024 that evaluated resident interest in continued ferry service between Tampa and St. Petersburg. At the request of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, additional outreach focused specifically on residents in Hillsborough and Manatee counties to better understand future demand for regional travel to and from Pinellas County.
Supplemental survey results indicate that nearly 80 percent of respondents are likely to use waterborne transportation services. Across both studies, respondents consistently identified schedule reliability, convenience, and affordability as the most important factors influencing their decision to use ferry service. Respondents also indicate interest in expanded regional connections, including connections between South Hillsborough County (such as Apollo Beach) and downtown St. Petersburg. Manatee County respondents also indicated interest in travel between downtown Bradenton and downtown St. Petersburg.
The findings are intended to support ongoing coordination among regional partners as the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) prepares for future phases of regional ferry service. PSTA is currently in the process of procuring a new vessel to support the new and improved Tampa Bay Ferry (formerly known as Cross Bay Ferry), which provides service between downtown St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa.
Forward Pinellas will continue working with local governments, transit providers. and regional partners to advance data-driven planning for waterborne transportation throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Read the market demand studies here.
Send comments to: Nousheen Rahman, AICP, Principal Planner at nrahman@forwardpinellas.org.