The newly renovated Cavello Bay ferry stop reopened on Monday with speedy new catamaran service whisking commuters to and from Hamilton.

The journey now takes roughly 20 minutes as opposed to an hour-long commute by car at rush hour times.

The ferry stop was refurbished to include repairs to the dock area, an improved shelter area and provisions to assist with docking for a variety of ferry boats. It had been closed since mid-April.

Direct service to and from Hamilton on the fast ferry is now available during rush hours while the older mono-hull ferries continue to operate mid-day service.

The Royal Gazette took the evening ferry with regular commuters and talked with them about their opinions about renovations and travelling on the ferry in general.

Now that Cavello Bay has reopened area residents like Almaze Richardson have a much easier commute.

"I just have to walk over the hill now," said Ms Richardson, an administrator at the Bank of Butterfield, who has been using the ferry for three years.

Glenn Robinson, a massage therapist, also finds the new service convenient.

"It puts me off right by my house," he said.

"It is convenient and saves time. It's 15 minutes versus 35 minutes.

"It's much more efficient, it is safer."

While Cavello Bay service reopened on Monday, the Watford Bridge ferry stop closed in order for similar improvements to be carried out there.

Watford Bridge commuters like Vicky Zabriskie are coping, however, with the help of a new minibus service.

"It's kind of a drag," she said. "It's an inconvenience."

In general, however, she said she finds the ferry a relaxing transportation alternative.

"Well, I don't have a car or a scooter," Mrs. Zabriskie said. "So, I use public transportation all the time.

"The ferry is not only shorter but I also find that it is very relaxing."

The minibus service will run from Cochrane Road to Cavello Bay, stopping at Watford Bridge, while improvements at Watford Bridge are underway.