Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said the success of the new ferry service had proved Shadow Transport Minister Erwin Adderley "terribly wrong".

In a ministerial statement to the House of Assembly on Friday, Dr. Brown outlined the progress of the Rockaway ferry service since its inaugural trip on April 2.

Dr. Brown said that to date, the new two catamaran ferry boats, Serenity and Resolute, had transported more than 18,000 passengers, with ridership on the route having increased by 68 percent. He stressed the positive feedback gained in a May survey. In addition, Dr. Brown said the minibus service, had carried approximately 5,200 customers since it began. He also said he had received reports from a number of people driving from the West End who say traffic congestion had decreased since the service began. Dr. Brown said the "reliable, fast and frequent" service to Dockyard and St. George's will help these "economically viable" areas.

The Minister said that phase one of the project was near completion, and that a new dock in St. George's is all that has yet to be finished. Phase one also saw the introduction of the two catamarans and new docks in Hamilton, Dockyard and Rockaway. Dr. Brown said phase two of the programme was currently being assessed. Possible renovations may be done to current ferry stops at Somerset Bridge, Cavello Bay, Watford Bridge, and Boaz Island.