A CalMac car space booking initiative which holds back bookings for local residents may be introduced across the west coast ferry network.
The scheme - currently being tested on routes in the Inner Hebrides - holds back
part of vehicle deck space until about three days ahead of the sailing. The space
is released for reservations to anyone 72 hours before departure time.
On the Mull service about 10% of deck space is retained, the figure differs for Coll and Tiree.
While the pilot scheme does not guarantee car space, it is expected to be an improvement on the first come, first served policy imposed under the terms of the present CalMac ferry service contract. The shipping company is obliged to avoid discriminating between one ferry user and another.
However, that same rule is arguably prejudiced against island residents, hampering short notice access to ferry services. Islanders and frequent users who rely on ferries for lifeline needs are often prevented from urgent travel at busy peak periods due to to high numbers of leisure travellers booking weeks ahead.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “We intend to expand the application of the current deck space pilot being trialled on Mull, Iona, Coll and Tiree.”
CalMac said it will look at the pilot scheme and assess whether this has delivered the “intended benefit, and if so engage with Transport Scotland on whether this should be rolled out on a permanent basis.
“We will then engage with other communities and identify opportunities to roll out to other routes, where desired specific to local community aspirations.”
CalMac also promises to consult on the process to prioritise traffic during disruptions with a view to better meet the needs of ferry users and island communities.
Proposal to introduce islanders’ priority ferry travel on CalMac routes
29 July 2024
