THE island's fast ferry system was yesterday declared a "huge success" by Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown after statistics released by the Department of Marine & Ports Services revealed its increasing popularity with commuters.

The Rockaway route ? which provides direct service between Southampton and Hamilton ? saw an increase in daily passengers from 232, when it first began in 2002, to 673 today. And while passenger loads on both the Hamilton to Dockyard and the Dockyard to St. George's routes were said to vary depending on the time and day of the week, both were judged to be "extremely successful" overall.

"The enhancements to Bermuda's ferry system have been a huge success in improving public transportation for both residents and visitors," the Minister said. "Acquiring two additional ferry boats, which we expect will arrive in late spring, will enable a gradual replacement of the current Somerset ferry boats, provide for back-up for Serenity and Resolute and will enable future expansion of ferry service to other markets as demand warrants."

At present, Serenity and Resolute are used to provide commuter service during morning and afternoon rush hours on the Rockaway route and service between Hamilton and Dockyard and Dockyard and St. George's during the quieter midday period.