Bermuda's six regular cruise ships could return next week said Transport Minister Ewart Brown yesterday.

He said it was up to the cruise ship companies to decide whether ports were up to scratch and a decision is likely soon.

Around 60 percent of the Island's channel markers have been blown out of position and buoys were lost while docks across the Island have been damaged during the storm, said the Minister.

The floating ferry dock at St. George's had drifted into Convict Bay but was still intact as Ordnance Island is being used for the St. George's ferry service.

But he added: "I am pleased to report our shipping lanes are now safe and open for business."

And he said two other ships docked in the west end on Tuesday.

Flights to Washington will resume Monday along with customs pre-clearance in Bermuda, Airport Manager Jim Howes said yesterday.

US customs had been damaged during Hurricane Fabian when a 10,000 square foot section of the roof was destroyed.

Dr. Brown said Fabian's blitz on Bermuda's roads was yet more evidence the Island should use ferries more.

He said Government was looking at putting on a ferry service for airport passengers because there was a shortage of transport.

"We intend to move in that direction," he said.

"I don't know if the taxi service has deteriorated beyond the norm but if it has we will take the necessary steps.

"This is no time to play. We are going to provide the service. This is the Ministry of Transport not Waiting for Transport."

He said a boost for ferry services to St. George's had long been in the Ministry's plans as part the national transport plan.

"The idea was to have a commuter route. We can only do that when we have a sufficient number of boats."

He said two new catamarans were due next spring. "I understand there is quite a clamouring for service in the east end now.

"The implementation of the east end ferry service illustrates the need for Bermuda to have a balanced transport system.

"We have relied for too long on road transport as the primary mode of travel, and the success and acceptance of this new, albeit temporary, ferry service from the east end proves public transportation can play a major role in reducing traffic congestion by providing an alternative to the private car.

"One important lesson is that water transport to new markets such as St. George's and St. David's have great potential, not only to relieve traffic congestion but also to provide water links when our roads become inoperable."

The Public Transport Board has reinstated bus services an all routes except one, three and five while routes ten and 11 end at The Perfume Factory because of the Causeway damage.

All routes shut by 7 p.m. PTB Director Dan Simmons said this was because the lack of street lights made driving dangerous and an outage at the bus depot hampered the ability to refuel and service buses.

A bus service for late afternoon flights has been set up taking passengers from the airport to Marginal Wharf ferry.