Ferries Community Board slam 10% ferry fare increase
15 October 2024
The Ferries Community Board have slammed a 10% fare hike for west coast ferries.
Transport secretary, Fiona Hyslop, announced the price increase yesterday.
Tickets will go up in cost on 28th March for CalMac routes.
The Ferries Community Board said they are “disappointed and surprised” to see another
fares increase for island residents and businesses.
The group - made up of independent representatives who are the “voices for people”
living in areas served by ferry operator CalMac- criticised the Scottish Government
for failing to consult over the rise.
Neither was an impact assessment carried out but the price rise was “applied by decree.”
The organisation which the Scottish Governments says hold the remit to be the “voice
of the communities and provide the community view to CalMac,” stated: “The move towards
more collaborative decision making and the application of the principals of the Islands
Bill in terms of islander community impact assessment have once again been forgotten
when they are inconvenient.
“Island communities and businesses have suffered socially and financially over the
last number of years due to lack of investment and poor decision making.
“It is now ironic that they are being further impacted with a 10% increase following
the 8.7% increase that has only recently been implemented in 2024.
“This affects most the most vulnerable in our islands including the young and those
with families at a time when universal free travel is protected elsewhere.
“Islanders know there is a difficult economic environment to deal with but have long
argued that inclusive and collaborative decision making would bring better outcomes
for all.
“Many local groups and communities have invested significant time and effort working
towards that principal which now seems to have been trumped by balancing departmental
budgets.”