Travelers will soon find it more convenient to travel between Mawei in the mainland province of Fuzhou and Matsu Tao in Taiwan.

From Monday, direct commuter vessels across the Straits will be increased from two to three times a week. The change is in response to the fast growing number of travelers using the route.

Over 5,000 travelers used the service in the first 10 months of the year -- an increased of around 30% over the same period last year.

The increase has been attributed to the rising number of Cross-Straits marriages and the simplification of customs inspection procedures.

(CCTV.com November 11, 2003)