ferry service.

He was responding to criticisms by Shadow Transport Minister and Sandys South MP Mr. Walter Lister who called the cutback of the early-morning and late-evening ferry service "short-sighted'' and claimed that it would hurt those who need the service most.

Mr. Lister said the cuts would also hamper further development at Dockyard.

But Mr. Marshall said a careful review of the services showed they were too expensive to continue. Only an average of 10 to 15 persons used them, he said.

"The revenue received from these trips amounts to about $11,000 a year while the costs were $105,000 a year,'' Mr. Marshall added.

"In these difficult economic times, when we are trying to save money wherever we can, we had no alternative but to reduce the service by cutting out these trips.'' The changes become effective as of March 1.

But, Mr. Marshall, who apologised for any inconvenience that may be caused to current passengers, encouraged people to commute by ferry.

"Although the early morning Somerset trip has been eliminated, the first ferry trip on this route arrives in Hamilton at 8.10 a.m.,'' he said.

"This trip still provides adequate service for those persons who must arrive at work after 8.15 a.m.'' The last Somerset trip from Hamilton will be at 5.20 p.m., instead of 6 p.m.

Mr. Marshall said the effects of these changes in service will be carefully monitored and steps will be taken to survey passengers to ascertain how they will be commuting in the future.