HONOLULU -- The city is looking for a company to provide a rush-hour commuter ocean ferry from West Oahu into Honolulu.

The city is hoping for better results than the state's pilot project by appealing to bus riders.

The state's test of a ferry system several years ago attracted so few passengers that the company considered selling the boat. However, the idea is still appealing in Nanakuli.

"Quite a few people are moving out on this end of the island so the traffic situation is getting worse and worse," Nanakuli resident Kaipo Chang said.

For its one-year test, the city wants 100-seat ferries for three morning and three evening trips between Barbers Point Harbor and Aloha Tower. The initial route bypasses Ewa's Iroquois Point, which was the most-used terminal during the state test. The city said Iroquois Point won't be ready soon enough.

"The facilities that are available are at Barbers Point and that's why we wanted to initiate this demonstration project as rapidly as possible," city transportation director Melvin Kaku said.

When the state tested a ferry system six years ago, only about a half dozen people boarded the ferry at Barbers Point. Most commuters felt it was too far out of the way and too long a boat ride into town.

The key to the city plan is to dedicate three bus routes to the ferry in an attempt to attract people who usually use the bus. It allows commuters to leave their cars at home.

The city won't know the price until the ferry companies make their proposals.

"As long as it's reasonable. Don't be asking for $5 or something," Nanakuli resident Tony Mejia said.

By using $3 million in federal funds, the city hopes commuters will pay no more for the ferry than they do for a bus ride.