In May 2024, Forward Pinellas approved a scope of work for a regional market demand study to assist the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce’s Transportation/Housing and Land Use Development Committee (T/HLUD) and the Urban Land Institute – Tampa Bay (ULI) in assessing the market conditions for regional waterborne transportation, focusing on Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee Counties.
A market demand study in this context examines interest in waterborne transportation services for the region at a high level. It answers questions like “Who wants to use this service?”, “Where do people want to go with this service?” and “What factors are preventing and/or encouraging people from using a service?” The study is intended to help regional partners evaluate the value of enhancing or creating new services and makes recommendations for service features that will drive success.
The study included an in-depth interview phase with regional partners, a statistically valid survey made available both to residents and visitors in the Tampa Bay Area, and quantitative analysis of factors such as workforce location, population and travel/commuting patterns. These tools are combined to identify market segments for waterborne transportation services, motivators and barriers to use, price points and other factors affecting demand and perception of waterborne transportation in the region. The study findings will guide a ULI Technical Assistance Panel organized by the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce T/HLUD.
