More than 10,000 passengers have used the city's new commuter ferry service, called TheBoat, since it began operations six weeks ago, officials announced yesterday.

"We are happy that so many people have chosen to use this new service," said Mayor Mufi Hannemann. "TheBoat is providing our residents with a choice they never had before, a choice to use a ferry linked to bus service. I've always said we are looking to offer people options in an integrated, multi-modal transportation system, and I'm pleased that they are taking advantage of TheBoat."

Ridership differs dramatically on different ferry runs each day, and has fluctuated significantly since the service was launched on Sept. 17 between Kalaeloa and Aloha Tower.

The city offered free rides during the week that began Sept. 24, and ridership peaked at 2,247 passengers over five days, even though one of the service's two boats was inoperable for two of the days.

Last week, 1,363 riders used the service — the lowest total in five weeks.

The 4:20 p.m. trip to Kalaeloa remains the most popular, attracting 70 to 102 passengers each weekday over the past month. But the 6:50 p.m. trip in the same direction has never carried more than 58, and sometimes carries only 12.

To encourage more riders, the city is offering free parking in 40 spaces in Kapolei, with a shuttle bus to the harbor at Kalaeloa.

The ferry service and five linked bus routes are expected to cost $6 million for one year. Federal grants are providing $5 million.