Cal Mac to discuss ferry complaints 1/3/14
► Ferry sailings could be cut despite brand new vessel
A controversial proposal to cut the number of sailings of the new Stornoway ferry is to be raised with Cal Mac.
The Comhairle is to debate the issue when the ferry operator attends the Hebrides Ferry Users’ Group later this month in Stornoway.
In December, Hebrides News revealed a Cal Mac plan to cut out the present three passenger summer sailings on the Ullapool to Stornoway route.
The present additional late night sailings on Wednesdays and Fridays, which are essential to avoid a backlog of traffic building up, could stop even though the service was originally promised to handle a boost in traffic resulting from the cheaper fares through the Scottish Government’s road equivalent tariff scheme.
The changes are unlikely to happen this year but could be introduced in summer 2015 when the bigger MV Loch Seaforth is on the run.
Cal Mac is expected to argue the new vessel has more cardeck space and can carry
the same traffic in two day-
A Cal Mac spokesman said: "No decisions have been taken on timetables which are a matter for the operator to agree with Transport Scotland following appropriate local consultations and it would therefore be premature to discuss these outwith the formal consultation process."
At the meeting, the Comhairle will also complain about the number of cancelled sailings in recent weeks and the breakdowns of the MV Isle of Lewis.
Comhairle leader Angus Campbell said: “I am aware of the concern amongst hauliers and the public at the number of cancellations there have been recently and now the loss, once again, of the MV Isle of Lewis, having just returned to service.
“I have asked that we discuss this with representatives of Caledonian MacBrayne at the next meeting of the Ferry Users’ Group.”
“We will also wish to raise the issue of capacity on future services and timetabling of the new service.
“It is important for the public and businesses that we have maximum flexibility available through the new timetable but also adequate back up in the event of vessel failure.”