Angry West End commuters have criticised Government for axing ferry services while claiming to be committed to reducing traffic on the roads.

The new summer schedule sees a number of journeys from Dockyard and Somerset suspended, leaving residents at Watford Bridge, Cavello Bay, Somerset Bridge and Rockaway with no option but to use their car or bike to get to and from Hamilton.

The Royal Gazette understands that at least eight complaints have been made so far to the Department of Marine and Ports Services, with commuters being told that the cuts are due to lack of demand.

Government did not answer questions on Friday about why the services were axed but issued a press release saying it wished to "ease commuter concern" following recent criticism of the service and insisting that the changes would "ensure improved service".

The West End blue route will no longer have a 7 a.m. Dockyard stop or a 9 p.m. Hamilton to Watford Bridge service and the weekend and public holiday service from Watford Bridge and Cavello Bay will no longer run.

The Saturday Rockaway service on the green route has been suspended until further notice, as have the Somerset Bridge 9.50 a.m., 11.35 a.m. and 2.40 p.m. services.

Ferry users — who asked to remaim anonymous — told The Royal Gazette the changes would inconvenience them and put more pressure on the Island's roads.

One woman said: "There are quite a few of us that are upset. It's quite ironic that the Premier is saying that he wants us all to take public transportation but he's cutting down on our services living in Somerset."

Another woman said the cuts would particularly hurt seniors and schoolchildren without cars and bikes. "It doesn't make any sense," she said. "The whole point of the ferries and the schedules are to keep people off the roads."

She questioned why the services had been stopped when Government had pledged to make public transportation free so was clearly not trying to make a profit from ferries.

A male traveller said: "The 9 p.m. ferry in the week will still go to Cavello, and then on to Dockyard, but bypass Watford Bridge. It's not going to cost them any more to stop at Watford on their way to Dockyard, so where is the saving?"

The Government press release said: "It is customary for the Department to review its ferry service this time of year and where possible make the necessary changes to ensure efficient service."

The new schedule includes some additional services. On the blue route, the mini bus service for the Boaz Island area has been extended for morning and evening commuter times to accommodate Dockyard commuters.

The operating time for this route is Watford Bridge at 7.15 a.m., 8.15 a.m., 5.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.

The 11 p.m. ferry service from Hamilton to Dockyard has been increased from three to five days to operate Monday to Friday.

There will also be a 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday service and a Sunday and public holiday service from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Hamilton to Dockyard.

On the St. George's orange route, an evening stop has been added, arriving in Dockyard at 6.50 p.m and departing for Hamilton at 7 p.m.

On the Pink route servicing Warwick and Paget there will now be a ferry leaving Hamilton at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturdays.

The new spring and summer schedule is available at Hamilton Ferry Terminal.