There was anger amongst ferry commuters after a choatic end to the free West End service.

Many passengers arriving in Hamilton early yesterday were upset after suddenly discovering the free rides from the West End were over.

Officials had insisted notice had been given that the trial was due to end and that travellers had been given an extra free ride on Monday -- the day the concession was due to finish.

But some people -- including many with scooters -- arrived at Hamilton to find the barrier shut.

Eventually it was discovered that passengers had to pay -- although there were no notices informing people that the trial had ended.

Many were angry that the trial finished in the middle of the month, making it expensive to buy a monthly travel pass.

Director of Marine and Ports Ron Ross said the trial was always intended to last for three months but he realised there was some confusion regarding the end date.

He apologised for those passengers who were inconvenienced but said travel passes from April, before the trial started, were being honoured.

The end of the free trial brings to a finish a rocky ride for ferry passengers.

The trial -- began on April 13 and affected ferries arriving in Hamilton early in the morning and leaving at rush hour -- was linked with free buses to encourage West End residents off the roads.

But after three weeks, former Transport Minister Wayne Furbert threatened to abandon the service, claiming there had been no noticeable increase in passenger numbers.

The service survived, but without the complimentary bus service.

It suffered another setback soon after when Marine and Ports staff staged a two-day strike.

And soon after officials put on an extra service from Hamilton at 5.20 p.m.

and at 6 p.m., following complaints of overcrowding on midweek trips when cruise ship passengers were travelling back to Dockyard.

Ron Ross said there had only been around 20 passengers using the extra 5.20 p.m. service.

Meanwhile Mr. Ross said a study into the ferry service was continuing for a further five weeks, in a bid to establish which routes were popular and whether or not new destinations were needed.

But he said it was unlikely that there would be any changes to the service before 2000, when new ferries are due to be introduced.