Cross Bay Ferry takes first passengers Friday

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Commuters will now have a way to get to and from Tampa and St. Petersburg, without the risk of getting stuck in traffic.

The Cross Bay Ferry took its maiden voyage Tuesday. With dozens of politicians and community leaders on board, the ferry left St. Pete's Vinoy Basin Tuesday morning for its 50 minute trek across the Bay.

St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman was greeted by Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn at the dock near the Tampa Convention Center.

The ferry debuted for the public Friday. An evening trip from Tampa to St. Petersburg was sold out.

Passengers gave rave reviews to FOX 13.

"It was great, smooth. Wanted to see what the experience was like," said rider and Jackson's Bistro co-owner Chris McVety.

The ferry will operate on weekends for the first few weeks, until it adds a weekday schedule at the end of November.

Tickets and the ferry's schedule are available at crossbayferry.com. A one-way trip for an adult is $10.