Ferry users were treated to free service over the weekend as Government christened its new temporary ferry terminal at Albouy's Point.

As of Sunday, the Hamilton ferry terminal is no longer in use because modifications are being made to the docks to accommodate Government's new fast ferries.

The temporary facility at Albouy's Point has been equipped with a small sheltered area for commuters, a trailer for terminal employees and gangplanks by which passengers board in two lanes based on destination.

Bikes can still be accommodated and yesterday Ports Authority chairman Walter Roban said little disruption in service is expected as Government undertakes four months of work at the Hamilton terminal.

Although the service has been free for the last three days as Government worked out the kinks for the changeover, regular fares are expected to be in place again this morning, The Royal Gazette was told.

And a temporary token collection box has been placed at the front of each boarding lane.

The temporary dock serves both the Paget/Warwick and Somerset/Dockyard ferries from Hamilton.

Government is revamping the ferry service in order to coax commuters - particularly from the West End - out of their cars to eliminate the morning and end of day traffic crunches into the city.

The Transport Ministry is committed to the purchase of five new, fast ferries to reduce commute times and improve services to ferry users.

The new, catamaran-style ferries are front loading and in addition to the work underway in Hamilton, a new ferry stop is currently being added in at Rockaway in Southampton near the former US Naval Annex.

Government will spend $14 million adapting the existing docks and adding the Rockaway stop.

The new stop has been designed by architect Walter Brangman and will see the area extensively landscaped to serve as a combination park and ferry terminal.

And a minibus service will transport commuters in the area to the stop with a new fare structure designed to encourage ferry use from the West End.

The temporary ferry dock now located at Albouy's Point will also accommodate local tour boat operators during the construction period.

Mr. Roban said meetings were held between Marine & Ports, the Corporation of Hamilton and the tour operators in order to develop a system which would not disrupt the crucial summer season business for boat tours.

Hamilton's new floating ferry dock is actually a water barge which previously belonged to the US Navy.

Marine and Ports Assistant Director Michael Dolding said the Navy passed the barge on to the department when it pulled out.

Since then, Mr. Dolding said the barge has been used for numerous Government projects, particularly by Works and Engineering, and has also been let out to commercial users.

To serve its new purpose as a ferry dock, Marine and Ports Director Ron Ross said the barge was pulled out of the water at its normal resting place in Dockyard and painted - cradle and all.

And Mr. Roban said tour operators and the Corporation of Hamilton have been so pleased with the temporary dock they've asked to consider making it a permanent addition at Albouy's.

"Everyone seems really happy," said Mr. Roban.