Changes to the existing ferry service will result in vast savings, according to transport minister Shawn Crockwell.

He said compromise was necessary to operate within the Budget allowance.

The Department of Transport continues to operate six high-speed ferries and three harbour ferries, with additional service between Dockyard and Hamilton.

However, “minor” adjustments would have to be made to meet cruise visitor and local commuter demands.

“Public transport is highly subsidised, but wherever possible all efforts are being made to control costs with an emphasis on overtime reduction and fuel efficiency,” Mr Crockwell said.

He added that the department was undertaking passenger load studies, hoping to use the harbour ferries on the blue West End route on winter weekends, replacing the faster catamarans.

“This will result in vast savings as we will now be burning 24 gallons of fuel per hour as opposed to 110,” Mr Crockwell explained.

“To operate within budget, a compromise in ferry service levels may be required if ridership levels do not improve — and flexibility in fleet operating methods and crewing will need to occur,” he added.

He suggested changes be made in work practice, crewing and mechanical support staff schedules and a reduction in crew on certain routes.

He said these adjustments were “imperative to immediate cost savings and without such smaller cost-saving initiatives occurring, more aggressive changes in other areas may be required”.

Meanwhile, Mr Crockwell said that after ten years of efforts to amend the bus schedules, a new timetable had been finalised.

Describing bus operations as the “core of the enterprise”, employing 163 staff, he said the introduction of a new schedule alongside a marginal increase in new staff, numbers were expected to fall within the budget.

Turning to recent road fatalities, Mr Crockwell said the issue was “close to his heart” not only as transport minister, but as a relative of Ezariah Matthie, who died in a road accident this week.

He said that although there had been a fluctuating supply in funds, it was tough to determine whether those figures played a significant role in the reduction of road accidents.

“It’s not about money, it’s about us,” he said. “Every politician has a role to play in keeping the message at the forefront about using care and attention on our roads.

“Our teachers have a role to play, our church leaders have a role to play. Family, friends, we all have a role to play.

“Take your time,” he urged the community,