Government has reinstated the weekend and holiday ferry schedule on the pink route due to public demand.There was an outcry from guest houses and residents when the Paget / Warwick service was axed in April due to cost-saving measures.This afternoon, Minister of Transport Terry Lister announced the service will resume on Monday. There will be a fare increase, which the Minister did not specify, and the service will not be as regular as it was last year.He said: “When the 2011 summer ferry schedule was introduced the Department of Marine and Ports made a decision to reduce scheduled services on the pink route to minimise the annual overtime and operating cost incurred in the provision of this service.“This decision was taken for a couple of reasons primarily the low ridership when compared with other routes and the fixed cost of operating with a three-man crew on the smaller harbour ferries.“I should mention that the intent was for a privately-operated company to provide the weekend and public holiday service by way of a public-private partnership agreement with Department of Marine and Ports. We had negotiations with the third party with respect to this proposition. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control this partnership never materialised.”Mr Lister said the reduced schedule went into effect on April 11 with the caveat that it would be reviewed as the summer season progressed.“To that end, we have had discussions with some of the smaller guest houses located on Harbour Road, with the residents of Hinson’s Island and with individuals who use this service. Many of these persons suggested a fare increase as a means of restoring the service,” he explained.“Following this consultation with those who use the pink route service, the Department of Marine and Ports has reviewed the Paget/Warwick schedule and is pleased to announce the reinstatement of the weekend and public holiday service.“In comparison with the 2010 summer schedule, the service will be reduced by four round trips on Saturday and three round trips on Sundays and public holidays. While the reintroduction of the weekend and public holiday service will increase operating cost, the uplift in fees will help to offset these operational costs.“Additionally, the Monday to Friday schedule has been amended to include two extra runs departing Hamilton terminal at 11am and 12 noon.“The reintroduction of the weekend and public holiday service and the extra daily runs will commence on June 27, while the fare increase will take effect on August 1.”Mr Lister said the fare increase will need to be passed by Parliament, and he did not specify what it would be. The debate is set to be held in the House of Assembly on Friday, July 1.