Residents will be able to travel on Bermuda's newest fast ferries for free at the weekend, Government announced yesterday.

"This weekend's free ride initiative is one way that we wanted to show our appreciation to the public for our support," Transport Minister Ewart Brown said in a Government Press release.

"Additionally, this will be an opportunity for those who have not yet experienced the pleasure of a fast ferry ride to take a ride on the new boats, free of charge and become converted to an alternative and more efficient mode of transportation."

Dr. Brown christened the new ferries ? and ? earlier this month.

The pair will temporarily take over from and ? Bermuda's first fast ferries which began service in 2002 ? which are being withdrawn for maintenance work.

"When and return to service and will be used to replace the current boats on the existing Somerset routes, providing more ferry service from Hamilton to Dockyard and St. George's," the statement said.

More information can be obtained by calling the Hamilton Ferry Terminal at 295-4506.