Don't cut back ferriesMay 10, 2011Dear Sir,My wife and I have been Bermuda tourists for 52 years. We have stayed at many different locations on the Island over the years and for the most part, during ‘in season'.Since my retirement I have been staying at Greenbank, the Salt Kettle ferry stop, for about eight years during the month of February. Last year we stayed six weeks beginning in mid January. Greenbank's location is ideal, particularly for those of us who are beyond motorbikes. The short trip to Hamilton provides shopping, dining, bus connections and ferries to Dockyard.It isn't possible for my wife and me to walk up the steep hill to Middle Road to catch a bus. And, using taxis for six weeks would be far too expensive. The same is true for many guests of both Greenbank and Salt Kettle Guest House.The fact that we can't drive a motor vehicle in Bermuda is a benefit not a disadvantage. We thoroughly enjoy not having to drive for four to six weeks but instead rely on the convenience of the ferries and buses as we have done for many years.Cutting back the schedule ‘in season' and eliminating weekend service scares us. We are “out of season” regulars, and there's plenty of us who wonder what will the ferry service be in January/February?It appears at this point that our winters will have to be elsewhere unless something is done. We spend thousands of dollars on each trip. Airfare, taxis, lodging, monthly passes, restaurants, shopping (clothing, gifts, beverages, food, etc)The changes definitely reflect “Tourist not Wanted Here”!Just as your fiasco with cruise ships arriving at Dockyard and little transportation provided.One other point I'd like to make is why reduce ferry service when the roads are already filled with too many cars, trucks, buses and bikes? Ferry service should be promoted and increased! I understand budget cuts but there must be other cost burdens of Government that could achieve the savings Government requires.By writing this note our hope is that recent “Pink Route” ferry schedule changes, will be reviewed and at least some critical services will be restored. (i.e. weekends!)I read The Royal Gazette online just about every day all year.I hope I can read some good news for tourists in the near future.ERNEST AND HELEN REIGSTADSparta, New JerseyPlus and minus pointsMay 12, 2011Dear Sir,During our 43rd visit to Bermuda last week we felt like foreign dignitaries or the Pope. Everywhere we went we were treated like royalty. Merchants and restaurateurs alike seemed to be so glad to see returning visitors. It was so obvious that they need income from tourism, or at least someone to talk to. The staff at the Airport was especially friendly. We really enjoyed our conversations with the merchants, but were so aware that their business is suffering from the downturn. As I have been saying for years, Bermuda is too expensive for middle class people. I have a large network of people and they all know that I am THE Bermuda “expert”. But when they see how much a Bermuda vacation costs, they go elsewhere. It's a shame. It is something that I like to share with others.I can't believe that there is no ferry service on the Paget route on weekends. That is deplorable! Plus, we were at Dockyard the day when there was no transportation for the cruise crowd. That will all trickle down sooner than later.Traffic congestion is getting worse all the time, but I must commend all the drivers who gave us the right of way while we were on the scooter. Bermudians are always extremely considerate to us.Speaking of driving, is there a contest, or do drivers get points for passing (overtaking) other vehicles? Are people in that much of a hurry? I am not shy on the road, having raced sports cars on the fastest tracks in America, but it can be nerve-racking when someone passes me on the left. Second place in the contest goes to the moron who passed my on the left up Southcote Road while carrying a shovel. First place goes to the idiot who passed me over the stripes around a blind corner on Harbour Road near the Dinghy Club. Yikes!So even though Bermuda has lost some of its charm, is overcrowded, and getting more expensive all the time, I can't wait to return.RON LACEYMassapequa, New York