In keeping pace with community desires and the ever-expanding transportation needs of the Tampa Bay region and in cooperation with Hillsborough County, the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) studied potential water ferry connections in Tampa Bay. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility of waterborne passenger service as a viable travel alternative and a part of the current and future transportation system of the county and region.
Phase I, completed in February 2011, incorporates the findings of previous waterborne transportation studies, where relevant, and is consistent with the region’s transportation plans, including the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) Regional Transportation Master Plan and the MPO’s 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). This Phase identifies andevaluates a range of service options and provides recommendations for the most promising services that should be further explored.
Water Ferry Feasibility Study – Phase 1 Final Report
A second phase, finished in January 2012, focused on the most promising route, from Gibsonton to MacDill AFB. The primary objective was to determine if the service is feasible.
Water Ferry Feasibility Study – Phase 2 Final Report