The ferry service between Hamilton and St. George's will resume next month, Minister Derrick Burgess told the House of Assembly yesterday.

East end residents had complained the cancellation of the service for the winter was increasing congestion on the roads and adding to a myriad of factors turning the Olde Towne into a ghost town.

However, Mr. Burgess — leading the Tourism and Transport budget debate in the absence of Premier Ewart Brown — said the Department of Marine and Ports will reinstate one commuter trip in the morning and evening from April 12.

He added that over the summer both the large 350-passenger ferries would run from Dockyard to St. George's for an improved midday service.

And he said Marine and Ports is liaising with the Corporation of St. George's over plans for a supplementary service between Dockyard and St. George's to coincide with the 15 scheduled Saturday arrivals of cruise ships in Dockyard.

The ferry service was allocated $9.9 million in Finance Minister Paula Cox's Budget two weeks ago.

Mr. Burgess told the House: "The 'Sea Express' ferry service continues to provide an affordable, comfortable and efficient public transportation experience.

"The department will continue with our efforts to upgrade our products and improve employee performance to ensure we maintain the high standards of service we have set for ourselves and clients are accustomed.

"The ridership on the west end a.m. and p.m. commuter service routes remains high and our department will provide the same level of service on these routes as provided in 2009."