Bermuda’s summer ferry service cuts were the result of “tough decisions” by Marine and Ports, Government announced today.“It was a difficult decision to completely eliminate the commuter service from the East End,” acting Transport Minister Michael Weeks said.However, he added, for this route “the ridership remained low, with an average of 30 passengers on a vessel that has a capacity for 200”.St George’s will also get a daily service from the tender Bermudian, which will make a round trip from Dockyard to the East End, with the exception of Tuesdays when the vessel will return to ferrying passengers off the cruise ship Veendam.“Therefore, the passenger carrying capacity is similar to the levels provided in 2010,” Mr Weeks said.The cuts were brought about by budgetary constraints, with the ferry service’s finances for this fiscal year reduced 24 percent from last year.The biggest reductions have been made by reducing ferry speeds from 28 knots to 23 knots, to save fuel. Routes and specific runs that have lower use were also cut.The Paget-Warwick Pink Route has lost its commuter service from Lower Ferry and Hodson’s Ferry.It has also lost weekend and public holiday services though Director of Marine and Ports Francis Richardson said Government was seeking a public-private partnership to bring it back.The Orange Route has lost commuter routes, and daytime services have gone from two fast ferries to one.The Green Route, the most popular commuter service, has lost two midday services, and its final run has gone from 7.10pm to 6.30pm due to low use.Mr Richardson said he did not think the reduction in the Blue Route’s late night service to Dockyard with the last trip now at 9pm would deter anyone from coming to Dockyard to dine in Hamilton in the evenings.“There are other means of transport,” he said.The same level of service will be provided for this route on Wednesdays, to accommodate Harbour Nights in Hamilton.No staff cuts have been made within the ferry service itself.The reductions allow ferry staff to be shifted to give cover on other routes, which Mr Richardson said would bring significant savings on overtime.Overtime for the service cost Government over $800,000 last year.Mr Weeks said Government would keep monitoring the ferries, and would make adjustments where possible.“Premier Cox has tasked the entire Government to do more with less,” he said. “We believe we have struck the right balance in providing the maximum possible service, while seeking to control costs and ensure a safe, efficient service for our residents and visitors.”The summer ferry schedule came into effect yesterday. It runs until November 13.