Western Ferries 'still to offer free travel'

Date: 4/3/2010

Western Ferries is to maintain its free travel scheme in the west of Scotland.

It made the decision despite cuts in subsidies to travel companies who operate the scheme.

The private operator had been told by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport that it needed to start charging those previously entitled to free travel 60p for a single journey or £1 for a return trip from next month in order to keep its Cowal Ferry Card scheme sustainable.

However, Western Ferries stated that it sees itself as a "community-focused ferry operator" and consequently could not introduce the fares.

Free travel will thus continue to be offered to those over the age of 60 and eligible disabled people.

Managing director Gordon Ross commented: "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."

However, changes must be made, he added, as the cost of operating the scheme is likely to become unsustainable.

The company uses a fleet of four vessels on the route, with capacity of approximately 140 cars per hour in each direction, its website notes.