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Swinney announces ferry fares study |
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Monday, 13 August 2007 |
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney has announced details of work targeted at delivering lower ferry fares for Scotland's island communities.
The work will include a study to establish the most effective and sustainable structure for a Road Equivalent Tariff pilot scheme for setting ferry fares in Scotland, which involves setting ferry fares on the basis of the cost of travelling an equivalent distance by road.
Speaking from Stornoway Harbour Swinney said: “This Government recognises the vital importance of lifeline ferry services in supporting Scotland's island communities. We understand the genuine concerns from our remote and fragile communities about the affordability of ferry travel and the impact this has on islanders.
“I believe that the way forward is to consider the benefits of introducing a Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) approach to setting fares in Scotland. This approach would not just benefit islanders by providing cheaper fares but could also boost island economies by attracting tourists and supporting businesses.
“I am pleased to announce today that we have moved ahead to fulfil our commitment to carry out a study into the benefits of RET. As part of that study we will undertake a pilot scheme on one or more of the routes between the mainland and the Western Isles.”
The study will initially make recommendations on the form a pilot exercise should take, including the routes to be selected, the fares to be charged and the length of the pilot, and provide a preliminary assessment of the potential costs and benefits. The consultants will also be asked to monitor the operation of the pilot and, once it is finished, provide an evaluation of the exercise, which will allow decisions to be taken on future ferry fares in Scotland.
A report on options will be completed by the end of 2007, as the main output of the first phase of the study.
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