A CHARTERED Southampton catamaran is being used for a £200,000 trial of the planned Torquay to Brixham Fast Ferry.

Launched on Friday, August 29 and running for a month, it is the late-season debut of a new transport initiative proposed by bus operators Stagecoach.

With the backing of Torbay Council and mayor Nick Bye, the speedy 30-knot craft, pictured, will cut out the nightmare 90-minute summertime road journey through packed traffic.

That is twice as long as the winter bus trip.

Bus business bosses predict the 138-seat catamaran will take just 15 minutes to get from Torquay to Brixham.

Richard Stevens, pictured, operations director for Stagecoach Devon, said: "We need to stage the trial to gauge whether there is sufficient public demand for the service for the future.

"At the moment, the existing infrastructure in Torquay and Brixham will be used. But if the service proves very popular in September, we will have to see what modifications are needed if it becomes permanent and what funding it attracts."

The transport firm's chief executive Brian Souter added: "We want to test the potential for a permanent link."

He confirmed the 15 daily trips will include early morning and mid evening, starting at 6.50am and finishing at 7.50pm, all bookable a day in advance.

Fares for the ferry service will be £4 single and £6 return.

Prices for senior citizens will be £3 and £5, while child fares will be £2.50 and £4.50.

This compares with £4.50 for a day return on the 12 and 12A bus, or a single either way for £3.20.

Stagecoach Dayrider bus ticket holders can also use the ferry for an extra £2.

"It's an exciting move which will provide a real boost for commuters and tourists in Torbay. It's six times quicker than current land-based alternatives and a greener and smarter travel option than a car.

"Britain's waterways and estuaries are an under-used resource and the trial will help us test the potential long-term demand for a permanent link. We look forward to giving people a chance to see the benefits."

Although the fast ferry topic went quiet for several months, it was never off Stagecoach's agenda said Mr Stevens.

He explained: "We have had discussions with Torbay's mayor and senior council officers and have been making arrangements for the trial.

Mayor Bye said: "A fast ferry service will be a great way of getting across the Bay and making the most of what is our greatest asset.

"The distance by sea is just over four miles from Torquay to Brixham, whereas by road it is more than nine miles.

"It makes sense to go by sea, saving time, reducing congestion and avoiding all the hassles of parking. I am sure that it will also provide a real boost to the economies of both towns."

Experts estimate more than £1million needs to be spent on harbourside facilities and efficient boarding pontoons to cope with the fast-track service.

Mr Stevens added: "Better transport links are a firm part of Torbay's Local Transport Plan and the Mayor's Vision."

Stagecoach will use a 100ft RedJet 1 catamaran and crew on charter from Southampton-based company Red Funnel, which has been operating across the Solent for 40 years.

Existing harbour facilities will be used at Torquay and Brixham to accommodate the craft, which can operate at speeds of up to 30 knots.

A 28-seat bus shuttle link will give passengers arriving in Torquay at Beacon Quay access to the main bus stops on the parade.

Cllr Nicole Amil, of the council's harbour committee, said: "This is an excellent opportunity to examine all of the issues surrounding the introduction of a fast ferry across the Bay.

"I am confident that this type of operation will be compatible with existing uses of the harbour and we will continue to work closely with Stagecoach and the vessel operator throughout the trial period."

But Brixham town council chairman Cllr Chris Bedford has reservations and can foresee existing businesses suffering.

The Royal Yachting Association examiner, with a lifetime's experience at sea, said the catamaran service may work well in the Solent but a short hop like Tor Bay with its crowded summer waters has its problems.

"In my personal opinion –—and the town council hasn't discussed this initiative — the trial should be postponed a year.

"Bear in mind the three existing small ferry businesses are having their worst season ever. The very experienced local operators of the Western Lady, the Greenway Ferry Company and the Torbay Belle service have plugged away for years, running their fleets.

"Their service is economical and eco-friendly. They will certainly suffer a loss of late season business if the fast ferry runs throughout September. Unfortunately Brixham Council has no control over its harbour, but I would prefer this whole issue was postponed to 2009."

Customers can find full details about the service online at www.stagecoachbus.com/devon Tickets go on sale from the Stagecoach Travel Shop on Victoria Parade, Torquay, from Friday, August 22.