The Transport and Harbours Department speedboat, ‘ALFORD C’, commenced its ferry service across the Berbice River from Rosignol to New Amsterdam on Monday, as commuters expressed mixed reactions to the new arrangement.
A mother of two  related that the new service is more costly as she previously paid $200 each for the monthly contract for her  two children, and being a contractual worker, she paid $1300 for the same period. Now the fare is $120 for a return trip.  According to the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the contract for June has not yet expired and commuters are forced to adjust by paying the increased sum.
Meanwhile, a traveller who crossed with the 15:20hrs ferry from Rosignol related that he enjoyed the ride, as it was faster and quite safe as passengers are fitted with life-jackets.
He, however, suggests that there be three boats in operation, working in a crisscross manner from Blairmont, Rosignol and New Amsterdam.
At the New Amsterdam stelling on Monday afternoon, scores of school children converged on the waiting area and the joined the ferry in batches of 26.

Even though the initial trips were incident free, the newspaper observed that the lone outboard engine was not as efficient as it should be, as it sputtered for quite a while, drifting about a hundred metres away from the stelling before sailing smoothly across the waterway.
On June 15 last, Marine Officials attached to the Transport and Harbours Department made a test run on the wooden MV ALFORD C, powered by a 115 horse power Yamaha outboard engine, across the Berbice River.
Superintendent of Stellings Ms Lindie, said the pontoon, which makes three trips daily across the river, is continuing its operation.