A £60,000 study into replacing the Renfrew Ferry with a footbridge over the River Clyde has been approved.
The decision to look at the future of the Renfrew to Yoker ferry service was made by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).
The crossing was said to cost the taxpayer £400,000 a year.
SPT estimates the two ferries which operate the service will need to be replaced within two years. Continuing the service will also be examined.
Neither ferry is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and the estimated cost of making necessary changes could be about £2m.
Gordon Maclennan, SPT assistant chief executive, said: "This is not a recommendation to close the ferry.
"Given that the current vessels will be beyond repair in just two years, we feel it is the perfect time to look at all our options and decide which will be most cost-effective and which will most improve the customer experience."
Derek Mackay, Renfrewshire Council Leader, said: "A link between Renfrew and Yoker is vital for Renfrewshire and the west of Scotland.
"It's important that we look at all the social, transport, economic and environmental issues involved in maintaining and improving this connection."
The Renfrew Ferry carries around 150,000 passengers a year.
Single crossings cost £1 per adult.
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