Call for 'modern' ferry services

CalMac urged to consider "innovative" ways of improving timetables

MSPs have called for "urgent action" to improve ferry services to deliver a modern, efficient network.

Holyrood's Transport Committee said government-owned operator Caledonian MacBrayne should extend the sailing day to help commuters.

Its report also called for improved co-ordination between ferry arrivals and rail and bus services.

The Scottish Government said the findings were a welcome contribution to its forthcoming review.

The Ferry Services in Scotland report said a long-term strategy was needed.

A situation where a train departs as ferry passengers walk down a station platform to get onboard is completely unacceptable Transport Committee report

The report said: "The committee believes that a situation where a train departs as ferry passengers walk down a station platform to get onboard is completely unacceptable."

The MSPs said flexibility should be built into contracts between the government and both CalMac and First Scotrail that would allow "common sense to prevail."

Ministers were urged to direct CalMac, which runs the Clyde and Hebridean routes, to investigate if there were "innovative" working practices which could improve timetables.

"The committee believes that it would be possible for CalMac Ferries to adjust some timetables to a limited extent to meet more effectively local needs and to provide some additional services, within the current restrictions imposed by crew working hours and other factors," it said.

Both CalMac and NorthLink Ferries were urged to do more to consult customers about service provision.

'Ferry network'

After hearing that some older ferries and landing areas were not well suited for use by disabled passengers, the MSPs said it was "essential that the accessibility of ferries is treated as a priority by the Scottish Government and that the pace of improvement in this area increases."

Transport Committee convenor Patrick Harvie said: "We believe the Scottish Government's forthcoming ferries review presents a genuine opportunity to deliver this strategy and to secure the long-term future of a ferry network which is fit for purpose in the 21st century.'

A Scottish Government spokesman said the findings would be considered as part of its review.

He said: "The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to delivering first class ferry services for our remote and island communities. The need for regular and affordable lifeline services for our most peripheral communities is critically important."