The recently announced decision not to hike ferry ticket prices on the CalMac network is set to continue for three weeks beyond its official cut-
Capping fares at last year’s levels was announced on Sunday to help people and businesses from Scotland’s rural and island communities.
But the fares’ freeze was due to stop at the end of September according to a Scottish Government statement.
Now it has emerged travellers on Caledonian MacBrayne routes will get a bonus three weeks as the initiative will carry on into October, keeping prices at last year’s levels for the entire summer ferry timetable.
This includes all season up to and including Sunday 22 October, the last day of CalMac’s summer schedule, and the final chance to travel before ticket prices probably go up for the winter season.
Fare levels are set by the Scottish Government which will compensate the ferry operator for the loss of revenue from suspending a fares increase for the whole period of nearly seven months.
The freeze is also ‘responsive to the challenges’ faced on the Clyde and Hebrides network in recent times said government agency, Transport Scotland, referring to the large number of vessel breakdowns, cancelled and disrupted sailings.
In response, the Ferries Community Board welcomed the commitment to pull back from increasing ticket prices at this point.
A spokesperson said: “The case for this had been made directly to the (transport) minister at our last meeting.
“We are particularly pleased that it is recognised that there has been ongoing financial and social costs to islanders and island businesses due to regular failures to our lifeline services.”
Meanwhile, with fare levels now confirmed, CalMac intends to allow travellers to book journeys on their ferries.
Reservations for the end of March and over the summer season will be accepted from Friday.
Timetables are due to be released today (Thursday).
Ferry fares freeze to be extended to cover all of CalMac’s summer season
19 January 2023
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