A commuter ferry that will ply a new route between Barbers Point Harbor and Aloha Tower arrived in Honolulu Harbor yesterday after crossing the Pacific on a barge from Washington state.

The 72-foot catamaran Melissa Ann will soon be joined by a twin sister, the Rachel Marie. Ferry service is to begin in mid-September, a little later than originally planned.

Each vessel can carry up to 149 passengers, and they have been used in ferry operations in Washington and Alaska.

The new service will feature three trips in each direction per day, and will link to new shuttle bus routes serving Wai'anae, Makakilo, Kapolei, Waikiki and the University of Hawai'i-Manoa.

A single bus fare — $2 for adults — will pay for the ferry and bus rides at each end. Monthly and annual bus passes will also be honored on the ferry.

The schedule calls for morning departures from Barbers Point Harbor at 5:30, 6 and 7 a.m., and afternoon departures from Aloha Tower at 4, 5 and 6:30 p.m. Travel time is an hour each way.

The city had hoped to begin operations in July, but plans were delayed after federal transportation officials and City Council members raised questions. A lack of parking at Barbers Point remains a concern for some.

The one-year operation is being financed through federal grants expected to total $5 million. The city will then evaluate the service and decide whether it should be continued.

The city is also studying whether a ferry stop can be added at Iroqouis Point.

Hornblower Marine Services will operate the ferry service, which is designed to give West O'ahu commuters an alternative to driving to Honolulu.