Increased capacity to the Olde Towne will feature on the summer ferry schedule this year, including the addition of a Saturday service, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport announced today.

Owen Darrell said that the Orange Route will operate from Monday through Saturday, directly to the East End from Dockyard.

He added that the move “reflects the ministry’s commitment to provide consistent, reliable and safe transportation to meet the needs of residents and visitors”.

Service capacity to St George’s will more than double, the minister said, adding that residents and visitors will benefit from better access to the town during the summer.

Mr Darrell said: “The ministry has listened to residents, businesses and stakeholders across the island.

“We heard a clear message — St George’s needs more ferry service to boost economic activity.”

This year the island expects 194 cruise ship calls from March through November and Mr Darrell said that as arrivals continue to grow, it is essential for the transportation network to keep apace.

“This expanded lift on this route will help manage the increased passenger volumes, reduce congestion and support the continued success of our tourism industry,” he added.

Mr Darrell said the arrival of the two new passenger ferries last year marked a “significant milestone” in the Government’s commitment to modernise the island’s public transport infrastructure and strengthen experience for residents and visitors.

The new ferries represent investments in transportation and the island’s future, and support Bermuda’s economy, tourism product and the quality of life of residents, he added.

With the new ferries, Mr Darrell said that the ministry can now offer the Saturday service which “significantly” increases lift to the Olde Towne.

Candy-Lee Foggo, the town manager in St George, said that the Corporation welcomed the introduction of the new ferry schedule for the Orange Route, which she said “represents a meaningful step forward in improving connectivity to and from our historic town”.

She said that with the addition of four ferry trips on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, as well as three on Tuesdays and Fridays, the expanded service will make the town “more accessible than ever before”.

Ms Foggo added: “For our local businesses and stakeholders, the improved schedule is expected to drive increased foot traffic and economic activity, particularly on key days when visitor movement is highest.

“More reliable and frequent ferry options encourage both spontaneous and planned visits, supporting retail, dining, cultural attractions and tour operators throughout St George’s.

“Importantly, this initiative also strengthens transportation resilience and offers a more sustainable alternative to road travel, aligning with broader goals of reducing congestion and promoting environmentally friendly transit options.”

The Corporation commended the ministry for “its continued commitment to enhancing public transportation and for engaging stakeholders in this process”.

Ms Foggo added that the organisation looked forward to working collaboratively to ensure the success of the expanded service and to maximise its benefits for the community.

Meanwhile, Mr Darrell urged residents in the West End to use the Rockaway to Hamilton ferry service, especially during peak hours.

He said: “This route remains one of the safest, fastest and most scenic ways to travel into the City of Hamilton.

“It consistently reduces travel time, avoids road congestion entirely and provides a calm, predictable start and end to the work day.”

He urged commuters in Southampton and Sandys to make the Rockaway ferry their daily choice, adding: “It’s reliable, comfortable and faster than peak-hour driving.”

The route is “still underutilised”, the minister added.

He said there is room for about 112 more passengers on trips.