Increase in Ferry charges
4 Mar 2010
The Elderly Forum are in the process of arranging a petition to SPT objecting strongly about the proposal to charge £1 for each pensioner's journey on our ferry. This has previously been free. I see from the "Wee Paper" this problem is going to affect everyone on the island as ALL the fares are to increase by an unacceptable level. Perhaps this is the time to show our solidarity as a community as these increases will affect us in so many differtent ways, not least our much needed visitors. So - CCDC, Tourist Association, Community Council, Golf Club, Bowling Club, businesses etc GET YOUR FINGERS OUT TOO !
Our Elderly Forum petitions will be available at the Garrison, Post Office, Surgery and Library
4 Mar 2010 | 10:30:57
June Allison says
Private operator Western Ferries has vowed to continue a free travel scheme in the west of Scotland, despite a cut in subsidy.
Travellers on the Dunoon/Gourock route had been entitled to free passage under Strathclyde Partnership for Transport's Cowal Ferry Card scheme.
SPT said it needed to charge 60p for a single and £1 for return tickets from April, to keep the scheme sustainable.
However, Western Ferries said it had decided not to charge the new fares.
Western Ferries managing director Gordon Ross said: "It is regrettable but totally understandable, given the current economic conditions, why the authorities have felt the need to reintroduce fares for the concessionary card holders.
"Western Ferries views itself as a community-focused ferry operator and this decision has been made in recognition of the loyalty and support given to Western Ferries by the local Cowal community and in recognition that these charges could have had an adverse effect on those making regular trips to Inverclyde for hospital visits."
'Long-term stability'
SPT said a review of its Strathclyde concessionary travel scheme, which allows anyone above the age of 60 and eligible disabled people to travel for a reduced fare, was facing increasing demand under a limited budget.
"We want to secure the long-term stability of the concession scheme within tight financial settlements," said an SPT spokesman.
He added: "If we do nothing, the cost of operating the scheme will continue to rise to well over £5m, which is unsustainable."
The review will also see concessionary fares on rail and subway services will increase to 60p or £1, bringing all concessionary fares to the same level.
Tory transport spokesman Alex Johnstone welcomed Western Ferries' decision, adding that, unlike state ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne, the company received no government funding.