Government said the high cost of operating the St. George's ferry was the reason for its withdrawal. According to Mark Bean, Junior Minister of Transport and Tourism, the ferry has been utilised by 30 to 40 passengers a day since the service began in 2007.

Ferries in the West End have seen significantly higher usage, including 140 passengers a day on average for Cavello Bay and Watford Bridge and between 150 to 250 passengers a day on the Rockaway ferry. Government has decided to end the St. George's winter ferry service, until the middle of April next year when usage is expected to pick up. The service will end on Monday, November 23.

Sen Bean explained: "The fuel cost to operate the St. George's commuter service during the winter is approximately $167,000, or $1,800 per day.

"This cost is due to the need to use one of the large 350 passenger boats because of sea conditions along the North Shore in the winter months. Thus, it is difficult to justify operating such an expensive service for so few people.

"It is our responsibility to operate efficient and productive public transport service, and unfortunately ridership on the St. George's service does not justify the high costs to operate the service."

According to Sen Bean, research has shown the East End commuter market is considerably lower in the winter, but the numbers pick up significantly in the summer when the cruise ships are in port in Dockyard.

By suspending the ferry, this will also allow Marine and Ports to carry out maintenance works on the ferry fleet, said Sen Bean. He added: "The original high-speed ferry boats, Serenity and Resolute, are now seven years old and require more routine maintenance.

"The ferry service is heavily utilised by residents and visitors during the April to October months so it is critical that we do the required maintenance and refurbishment on the vessels during the lower volume months."

He said the public was being encouraged to use other public transport options, including bus routes to Hamilton. The Ministry was also working with people in the East End to arrange a car pooling programme.