will breathe new life into the area.

And Government has indicated its willingness to take on-board ideas and suggestions to make the transport system work for the people who rely on it.

Already west end commuters have held their own impromptu meeting and their views on the proposed changes will be made to transport officials.

And West End Development Company manager George Smith sits on the Marine and Ports Board, providing businesses at Dockyard with a direct voice on the issue.

He said he was excited by the prospect of the four catamarans due for delivery in 2001 and plans for a more regular service.

"We have asked for a long time for a direct route to Dockyard on an hourly basis,'' he said.

"We sincerely hope for extra ferries later at night. Discussions will take place. We don't want to get left behind but we are included in the process.'' In addition to the service, there is also an onus on west end businesses to offer more, in order to make the extra routes and times worthwhile.

Jean Paul, co-owner of the Frog and Onion pub, believes there is scope for more activities and longer opening hours to encourage visitors and residents to the area.

"You need a reason to come here, more choice that will hopefully attract people to use the ferry service,'' he said.

The current schedule means some people have to wait up to two hours for a direct trip to Hamilton. And during some summer periods the buses were crowded -- discouraging people from making the journey.

He echoed the need for a quick, direct Hamilton route, adding that the timing should be every 30 to 45 minutes.

In addition, a night service should also be implemented.

"To have that you need to have things to attract people here. You can't have a ferry with nobody on it.

"Wedco are working hard on this. We need to work together to make sure people can come here and we give them a good reason to come.'' Transport Minister Ewart Brown is keen to get input from the public and a comprehensive survey is planned.

They want to get information from people who use the ferry and those who do not.

Dr. Brown said the ferries would not move without input from everybody who had an opinion.

"The only way they will not have input will be because they refused,'' he said.

Dr. Ewart Brown GOVERNMENT GVT