and off congested roads with an overhaul of the ferry system.

New boats, extra stops and more trips are planned to encourage motorists to leave their vehicles at home for the journey to and from work.

Transportation programme coordinator Larry Jacobs said the first two new catamarans, due late next year, will herald the start of a completely new public transport system.

Speaking as Government announced the winner of the contract to build the planned four new vessels, he said their aim was to make travelling by water more user-friendly.

A new stop will be constructed at Rockaway, at the entrance of the former US Naval Annex at Southampton, which Mr. Jacobs said offers a huge untapped resource of customers for the new boats.

"Our roads have become "maxxed out''. We have a lot of water, it makes sense to use that water in an intelligent manner,'' he said.

"Currently only two percent of commuters use the ferry service. One of the reasons people don't use it is because only two trips arrive in Hamilton before 9 a.m.'' The new service would offer six, he said.

On Tuesday, Boston-based Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding were announced as the firm that will build the $2.5 million 82 feet long catamarans, with the first two to be delivered between October and December next year.

A further two are expected to arrive in 2002, completing a massive overhaul of the transport infrastructure.

Gladding-Hearn, part of the Duclos Corporation, beat off competition from two other companies, Austral USA and Derecktor Shipyards, to win the contract.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said they were excited to select the builder.

"Bermuda's new ferry system will feature more frequent service, greater comfort and will offer commuters the option of using their car while improving transportation choices for visitors,'' he said.

"Our roads are becoming increasingly congested, so we must develop a more efficient water transport option if we expect to keep Bermuda a high quality place to live, do business and visit.'' The 250 passenger vessels, designed by Incat Designs from Sydney, Australia, will be built from a proven pattern, with around 50 similar ferries in service across the US.

They will cut travel times in half via increased speed and more efficient loading and unloading.

Arriving at docks bow first, as opposed to the side loading now used, they will open their fronts, allowing 100 people per minute to move on and off.

Motorcycles will be allowed on the new ferries.

Mr. Jacobs said new routes were expected to be Hamilton to Dockyard, Rockaway to Hamilton, and Watford Bridge, Cavello Bay and Somerset Bridge to the city.

The Boaz Island stop will be dropped.

At the existing docks, he said improvements would be made to include parking where possible, shelters, more information and lighting.

In Hamilton, it is possible a floating dock will be built, allowing four boats at once to berth.

When the new vessels arrive, the first two will be used from Dockyard to Hamilton, Dockyard to St. George's and Rockaway to Hamilton.

The existing vessels will continue to be used on the Watford Bridge, Cavello Bay and Somerset Bridge run, until the second pair come on line in 2002. The delay will allow construction work to be completed at the three docks.

He believes the new service will capture the public's imagination.

"All the market research in the West End shows there is a very high acceptance by non-users that wish to use the ferries if there are more trips, parking and a fast trip,'' he said.

George Duclos, chief executive officer of Gladding-Hearn, said he was delighted to be awarded the contract. His company has already built pilot boats and channel markers for Bermuda.

"It is a high quality boat yet maintains simplicity. It is very stylish and designed for long term use.'' He said the boats have a life span of between 20 and 25 years.

Conditions of the contract include training for Marine and Ports staff, and a joint marketing campaign with the Ministry of Transport.

Gladding-Hearn is based at Somerset, south of Boston, and has been building boats since 1955.

Ewart Brown Larry Jacobs