City Ferry Starts Commuter Service

HONOLULU -- The City ferry service dubbed The Boat sailed early on Monday morning at the start of the pilot project.

The Melissa Ann, the first of two city shuttle vessels, took off at about 5:30 a.m. from Kalaeloa and headed to Aloha Tower.

Fifty five passengers boarded for the first ride and 51 passengers rode the second departure. Each vessel has room for 149 riders. The second catamaran is docked at Kalaeloa as it undergoes inspections. It is expected to be ready for service next week.

There will be three departures in the morning Monday through Friday leaving Kalaeloa at 5:30 a.m., 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. with shuttle buses waiting downtown. At the end of the day, the vessels will depart Aloha Tower at 4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m. and 6:50 p.m.

(Official The Boat Web Site)

Buses rolled into Kalaeloa just after 5 a.m. with the first passengers of The Boat. Commuters said the bus trip was convenient.

Despite the early departure spirits were high as riders boarded.

It started out as a bumpy ride, but many riders said they were just excited to be out on the beautiful waters.

"So far it's good. It's a little bumpy, but I'm enjoying it," Waianae resident Karen Vieriato said.

However, the bumpy ride took its toll on some of the passengers who became seasick. Down below deck it was the same story.

Then riders tried to stay cool after the air conditioner broke down.

Snacks and drinks will eventually be available for purchase, officials said.

"Some of the tips are to stay outside so that you get fresh air. We would recommend sitting outside," The Boat project manager Darin Mar said.

The Boat ride from Kalaeloa to Aloha Tower takes about an hour. Commuters on the vessel said they were excited to escape the traffic.

"I started working down here a month ago and I'm sick of traffic. I wanted to try this out and for two bucks it's a deal," downtown worker Jeff Chen said.

Buses are scheduled to be at the Aloha Tower terminal for the passengers to hop on to their final destinations.

The $2 ride is the same price as riding the bus and that includes two free transfers. The city is offering free rides next week.