turnaround.

Transport Minister Wayne Furbert said last night that the free trips to and from Hamilton -- which were due to finish this Friday -- are due to get a reprieve.

The announcement came after the Minister rode on the 8.10 a.m. ferry in to Hamilton and talked to passengers. Just days previously it was made public that the complimentary service was to be finished because of poor numbers.

He said the change of heart was due to the survey taking place and because numbers had actually increased on the routes by up to 40 people a day.

The free routes -- the 8.10 a.m. and 8.50 a.m. arriving at Hamilton and leaving the city at 5.20 p.m. and 6 p.m. -- will run to the end of June.

But there was no reprieve for the free bus service connecting the ferries at Watford Bridge. Passengers are expected to link up with normal bus services covering the route.

In addition, Mr. Furbert said the timings of some of the ferries could be adjusted, following the survey results of 120 people on the morning routes.

He said the 8.50 a.m. could be changed to arrive at 8.30 a.m. and the 6 p.m.

service could leave Hamilton at 6.30 p.m.

"There was alot of positive feedback, the passengers were very pleased to see me,'' he said.

The new transportation authority will take an in depth look at the ferry service, as part of its mandate, he added.