Progressive Minds

Apart from the fun of alliteration, I've been wondering about the practicality of a fast ferry route from town to Flatts. I expect that the same problems affecting the St. Georges route of rough weather cancelling the ferry once in a while would apply. And I also recognise that the famed Flatts tidal current may factor in here also, but surely thats not insurmontable? And yeah, I readily admit I am no engineer or pilot other than casual experience, but I really can't see it being that big a problem.

I feel that a Flatts Fast Ferry could be very beneficial for Bermuda as a whole. For one thing it could be used to reduce alot of the East End traffic congestion, conceivably by integrating it with a dedicated mini-bus service for at least Hamilton Parish, but also perhaps Harington Sound as a whole, namely the Devils Hole area? Alternatively the south-eastern parts of Harrington Sound could be serviced by small water taxis. I don't know if it would be possible to expand the carpark at the Aquarium (limited space and not sure about limited feasibility of mulit-storey parking there), but a dedicated mini-bus service should reduce the need for that anyway.

I am of course envisioning making T-dock suitable for fast ferry docking, as this is a government dock as it is (officialy for primary use by the government Aquarium and Zoo), and would be the most accessible and beneficial location. But perhaps there are alternatives on the Flatts Village side of the inlet or up by Police Beach, but I'm not sure how those sites could be reconciled with private property interests or accessibility.

One benefit of introducing a fest ferry route to Flatts would of course be added government revenue for the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo which is currently reached by tourists by taxis, buses (10 & 11) or mopeds (with regular traffic incidents there...). I reckon having tourists able to reach the Aquarium from Hamilton or Dockyard (where the cruiseships are...) would greatly increase visitor flows to this government run conservation education and tourist site. Could also capture West Enders looking for family activities on the weekends but not necessarily up to the drive. Also, and while it has not been as successful as its better known rivals, Flatts also hosts the equivalent of Harbour Nights/Heritage Nights, and having these ferries in place would greatly increase the popularity and potential revenues of this attraction.

Thoughts anyone? And could additional stops be factored in along the North Shore?