Use of Ferry for Transit

[Adam White]

If it's not rush hour, maybe 20 to 25 minutes or so. Btw, their pilot ferry isn't being used for commuting. The numbers also aren't that high.

Seems like it couldn't be that useful as a working ferry if it takes twice as long as driving. Maybe it's a more pleasant journey, though.

[thelakelander]

It's not a ferry used for commuting.  From St. Pete, on Monday through Friday, you can ride to Tampa three times a day (12pm, 4pm and 10:30pm). From Tampa, you can ride to St. Pete two times a day (1:15pm and 5:30pm).

https://crossbayferry.com/schedule-rates/

I think sometimes, we see the word "ferry" and automatically assume its used for commuting. It is a pleasant journey for a tourist though.

The word "ferry" might conjure a giant vessel filled with rows on rows of sleepy commuters. Basically, a floating subway car.

It's also possible that "ferry" brings to mind an image of fun. You're holding a cocktail purchased on board. Smiling people are wearing shorts.

The Cross-Bay Ferry, which began service between downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg in November, is a little of both. You can commute to work on the Cross-Bay Ferry, but the vibe catching on is the latter one. The ferry is fun. It's filled with rows of high-backed, cushioned seats, big tables, and outdoor space. And how's this for a Tampa Bay touch: the bar serves locally brewed craft beer.

Ridership data released in January shows that more than 13,000 passengers traveled in November and December combined. Organizers said about half of all the ferry's riders have cruised on weekends, mostly a mix of tourists and residents out for recreation.

"I think this area has kind of a traditional notion of what transit is," said Cross-Bay Ferry project advisor Ed Turanchik. "People tend to think it's about commuters, but in most places with more mature transportation systems, transit is for all markets. The commuter market will always be difficult here, because it's a limited market and we only have one boat."

The Cross-Bay Ferry is a $1.4 million, six-month pilot program, the cost split among Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and the cities of St. Petersburg and Tampa. Running through April 30, it tests demand for both recreational riders and commuters.

Full article: http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/we-tried-the-cross-bay-ferry-for-errands-and-fun-heres-what-happened/2313146

[Adam White]

It's not a ferry used for commuting.  From St. Pete, you can ride to Tampa three times a day (12pm, 4pm and 10:30pm). From Tampa, you can ride to St. Pete two times a day (1:15pm and 5:30pm).

https://crossbayferry.com/schedule-rates/

I think sometimes, we see the word "ferry" and automatically assume its used for commuting. It is a pleasant journey for a tourist though.

The word "ferry" might conjure a giant vessel filled with rows on rows of sleepy commuters. Basically, a floating subway car.

It's also possible that "ferry" brings to mind an image of fun. You're holding a cocktail purchased on board. Smiling people are wearing shorts.

The Cross-Bay Ferry, which began service between downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg in November, is a little of both. You can commute to work on the Cross-Bay Ferry, but the vibe catching on is the latter one. The ferry is fun. It's filled with rows of high-backed, cushioned seats, big tables, and outdoor space. And how's this for a Tampa Bay touch: the bar serves locally brewed craft beer.

Ridership data released in January shows that more than 13,000 passengers traveled in November and December combined. Organizers said about half of all the ferry's riders have cruised on weekends, mostly a mix of tourists and residents out for recreation.

"I think this area has kind of a traditional notion of what transit is," said Cross-Bay Ferry project advisor Ed Turanchik. "People tend to think it's about commuters, but in most places with more mature transportation systems, transit is for all markets. The commuter market will always be difficult here, because it's a limited market and we only have one boat."

The Cross-Bay Ferry is a $1.4 million, six-month pilot program, the cost split among Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and the cities of St. Petersburg and Tampa. Running through April 30, it tests demand for both recreational riders and commuters.

Full article: http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/travel/florida/we-tried-the-cross-bay-ferry-for-errands-and-fun-heres-what-happened/2313146

I guess I just don't see the point of a ferry, unless it's necessary. They usually exist in areas where a bridge could be but isn't. I've never ridden a ferry for pleasure, I don't think.

[thelakelander]

Correct! A ferry going up and down the St. Johns in Jax makes no sense because we don't have viable destinations and since we have bridges now, excluding Mayport, you don't need one to get to the other side of the river.  I've taken a ferry for pleasure.  It's just like taking the water taxi downtown, driving on a new street, biking on a new cycle track or hopping on a new rail system and riding it just for the sake of riding it.  Not something you do everyday but something that can be included from a recreational/leisure perspective.

[ProjectMaximus]

The Star Ferry in Hong Kong's Discovery Bay is Tripadvisor's #2 Thing to do in Hong Kong. Seems like everyone I talk to recommends it. And you pay extra to sit in the upper deck iirc.

[Noone]

Correct! A ferry going up and down the St. Johns in Jax makes no sense because we don't have viable destinations and since we have bridges now, excluding Mayport, you don't need one to get to the other side of the river.  I've taken a ferry for pleasure.  It's just like taking the water taxi downtown, driving on a new street, biking on a new cycle track or hopping on a new rail system and riding it just for the sake of riding it.  Not something you do everyday but something that can be included from a recreational/leisure perspective.

+1