Minister Dr. Ewart Brown.

A meeting is taking place this week to finalise details of the new $8 million fleet, which are expected to be on the water by 2001.

Dr. Brown said transport officials will decide on the final configuration of the custom order for the four new catamarans.

It will then take up to six months before an announcement is made on which US company has won the order.

Between two and three firms, who have visited the Island to see the docks and routes, are said to be in the running for the deal.

The Minister said he expected the $8 million to be included in the budget for 2000-2001.

The former UBP Government had originally planned to introduce the ferries by 2002, but the PLP has pushed the project ahead to schedule as part of a complete overhaul of the transport system.

New timetables, including evening ferries and a transferable payment card are also on the agenda.

Ewart Brown