The number of people on Government's fast ferries between Rockaway and Hamilton during rush hour has risen since last year and jumped more than 190 percent since the service was started in April 2002, according to new statistics.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Ewart Brown said the new fast ferries that Government has ordered from Australia will arrive in Bermuda in time for Bermuda Day on May 24, about a month later than originally anticipated.

Figures released yesterday by Marine and Ports showed passenger trips for this month as averaging 673, while a sample taken during June last year had the figure at 603.

The figure for the first week of service, in April, 2002, placed the number of passenger trips per day at 232.

Since then, a Marine and Ports press statement said, the number of ferry users has gone up 192 percent.

Dr. Brown said the statistics showed the fast ferries had been "a huge success in improving public transportation for both residents and visitors".

The statement said the increase in interest was also illustrated by the fact that the number of cars and cycles parked at the ferry stop had risen considerably.

In April, 2002, the first week saw an average of 32 cars and nine cycles. In June last year the figure was up to 68 cars and 15 cycles, while this month the figure was 90 cars and 25 cycles.

Dr. Brown said there were plans to expand the parking lot at Rockaway that had already been approved by planning.

He added that the two smaller model fast ferries, named Tempest and Venturilla, which were ordered from Australia last year would hopefully arrive on the Island in time for May 24.

"We always said spring and then we said late April," Dr. Brown said. "We've decided to tie it into Bermuda Day now."

Meanwhile, Government said the use of catamarans on the Hamilton to Dockyard ferry service had improved public transport lift to Dockyard and had "relieved overloads" that were previously occurring on buses.

The statement said average passenger numbers on the Hamilton to Dockyard service ranged from a low of 30 and to a high of 250. It added that passenger numbers were at their highest during the tourist season on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays when all five cruise ships are in port.

It also described Dockyard to St. George's route as "extremely successful", adding that most trips averaged over 75 passengers.