Passengers can ride the city's new commuter ferry service and any of five special bus lines for free throughout next week.

The service — dubbed TheBoat — began running between Kalaeloa and Aloha Tower on Monday, making two trips in each direction per day.

A second vessel is expected to join the service next Monday after certification by the Coast Guard, adding a third daily trip.

The City Council agreed yesterday to suspend fares on TheBoat and on special new bus lines that link the ferry with Kapolei, Makakilo, Wai'anae, Manoa and Waikiki.

"We urge folks to take advantage of the fare-free week to at least try TheBoat to see if they like that choice," said city spokesman Bill Brennan.

Up to 149 passengers can ride each ferry. Fifty-five sailed on the maiden 5:30 a.m. voyage Monday, the highest number so far for a single trip. Fifty-three took the second boat, at 8 a.m.

On Tuesday, those trips carried 37 and 42 passengers, respectively. Yesterday, the numbers were 49 and 39.

Brennan said he hopes the second ferry will attract more riders for the added 6 a.m. trip.

Regular fares on TheBoat are the same as for TheBus. The one-way fare for adults is $2. Bus passes are also honored on TheBoat.

The ferry demonstration project is expected to continue for at least one year. Federal grants totaling $5 million are to pay for the ferries, and the city is spending $1 million to run the special buses.