TheBoat, a new city-sponsored commuter ferry, will begin operating between Kalaeloa and Aloha Tower on Sept. 17, Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced yesterday.

Two 72-foot aluminum catamarans — the Melissa Ann and Rachel Marie — will make a total of three daily trips in each direction and link with new bus routes serving Wai'anae, Kapolei, Makakilo, the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, and Waikiki.

A single fare will pay for the entire journey: a one-hour ferry ride and buses at each end. The one-way fare for adults is $2. Bus passes also will be honored.

Coffee and continental breakfast will be available on morning trips for an extra charge, and snacks will be available on afternoon voyages. There are no plans to serve alcohol.

While the interisland Hawaii Superferry remains at anchor amid continuing controversy over the need to complete an environmental assessment, no such study is needed for TheBoat, Hannemann said. That's because the commuter ferries will ply previously established routes and won't require new harbor improvements, he said.

At least three coastal ferries plied similar routes in recent memory but did not include direct bus links.

A $5 million federal grant is expected to finance the new ferries for one year. The city will then evaluate the system and determine whether it should be continued.