Faster ferries will mean far more trips and greater passenger comfort says Transportation Programme Co-ordinator Larry Jacobs.

The new ferries will go nearly twice as fast as the old ones meaning peak-journey trips from the West End can be increased and journeys from St.

George's to Dockyard will more than double.

Mr. Jacobs said: "The boats will be capable of attaining speeds of 23 knots, compared to the current 12 knots. This will enable us to provide far more frequency of service.

"They will provide significantly higher levels of comfort than our current boats, with cushioned seats, air conditioning, heating, a concession stand and good visibility.'' A new ferry stop will be built in Rockaway, Southampton to respond to increased population and to make sure potential developments at the Naval annex are catered for.

He said: "The site is located in a high density residential area, so significantly more people will now have access to the ferry system.

"Currently it takes about 45 minutes to drive to Hamilton during peak commuting hours. The new service will complete the trip in approximately 20 minutes.'' He said a new ferry stop was planned for the Jew's Bay area.

He continued: "For the East End we will be increasing the number of ferry trips between Dockyard and St. George's from the current two days a week to five days a week with three trips operating daily rather than the current one trip.'' The possibility of the Dockyard/St. George's ferry stopping at Flatts is also being looked at, said Mr. Jacobs and he pointed out that the new faster ferries would reduce the time for the cross island trip from one and a half hours to just 45 minutes.

Front loading boats will mean several can dock at a time and wheelchair access will be improved.

"Major improvements will be made to the land-side infrastructure, including lighting, security, parking where warranted and feasible and better connectivity with public and privately operated minibus systems.

"We are looking at the total travel experience, not just the boat and the dock,'' said Mr. Jacobs.

Currently only two percent of commuters use the ferry but Mr. Jacobs hopes more will be enticed by a better service.

He added: "With the development of the new ferry system we are anticipating an increase in utilisation of 30-50 percent.'' The first of the $2.5 million catamarans will arrive in September next year with the other two planned for a year later.

Mr. Jacobs said the new ferries were needed as the old ones needed replacing.

He said: "They are costing $2.5 million each. It would have cost $1.5 million each to replace the current boats, with the faster ferries we also get a higher degree of comfort.'' Full steam ahead: Transport Programme co-ordinator Larry Jacobs