The drive to revolutionise the transport system is to slip into top gear with a rapid overhaul of the ferries.

It is anticipated that the Government will sanction a new $8 million fleet a year ahead of schedule.

And this weekend, Transport officials and Minister Dr. Ewart Brown travelled to Boston to look at possible replacements for the existing craft.

On their return they are expected to decide on the design and get the go-ahead from the Finance Ministry to order the vessels.

Dr. Brown said he was confident the thumbs-up would be given for the four new catamarans, which would be ordered this year and in service by 2001.

Initially the UBP had planned to introduce the ferries by 2002, but Dr. Brown has pushed the programme forward as part of proposals to completely overhaul the transport system.

"We are going to take a very good look at these ferries,'' he said. "We are moving the schedule up by one year. Our goal is to get these ferries here as quickly as possible.'' The six-strong Transport and Marine and Ports team will spend the week in Boston at a high speed ferry conference, where they will look at designs, test ride and narrow down a short list of possible craft.

Dr. Brown announced the move as he launched a transport customer relations training scheme to the industry.

The Ambassador Programme was previously only implemented within the Public Transportation Board but will now be offered to all of the transport business.

Taxi, ferry, mini-bus and airport limousine drivers will all be able to take advantage of the course, which currently has ten volunteers, and aims to improve customer service and public relations via six six-hour modules.

It is internationally recognised, and is mandatory in the bus service, where it has helped to reduce complaints by 60 percent.

Initially the course will be voluntary but it is believed that its completion may become a condition of obtaining, for example a taxi licence.

The Minister said participation in the scheme would become a vital part of a new integrated transport system.

"Our drivers have a great reputation for being friendly and we thought that should be spread around,'' he said. "First of all we are going to be courteous to each other and if we do that it will be easier to do it to our visitors.'' With the new ferries will come changes in the bus and ferry systems, with schedules and pay methods tailored to suit the customers, not the operators.

A swipe card that works on all modes of transport could also be introduced.

Ewart Brown: User-friendly Graphic file name: EBROW