Letters / Lifeline or lifestyle?
About a month ago I was given a categorical assurance by Serco/NorthLink boss Stuart Garrett that there would be no fare increases for islanders.
Reducing the discounts for pensioners, those in full-time education, and disabled passengers by 15 per cent is a fare increase through the backdoor – for those who can least afford it (Concession rate drop sparks island ire, SN, 27 March 13, and MSP denies scaremongering over discounts, SN, 21 March 13).
This is not the only price hike since Serco took over the north boats, as the January to April low season has been reduced by eight days, and the spring mid season by three weeks.
This time last year, I would’ve paid £264.60 for a return trip to Aberdeen with a car and a share in a two-berth cabin. Under the new regime, the same trip (with 10 rather than 25 per cent discount, and slipped under the radar from low into mid season) adds up to £381.96.
I probably won’t be able to afford breakfast on board, as a bowl of cereal with milk now costs £7.96 (20 per cent islander discount deducted).
Serco, who recently reported a 27 per cent rise in profits (The Guardian, Business Section, 5.3. 2013), is turning our lifeline service into a lifestyle service.
Rosa Steppanova
Tresta
Stuart Garrett, managing director of Serco NorthLink Ferries issued the following statement on concessionary fares on 28 March:
“Serco NorthLink Ferries operates a number of discounts that are specified and funded by the Scottish Government. This includes a 10 per cent concession to senior citizens with a National Entitlement Card, disabled passengers and those in full-time education.
“Resident islanders with a concession card holder will benefit from the 10 per cent discount on top of the islander 30 per cent discount.
“National Entitlement Card holders resident in the northern isles will continue to also benefit from four free single journeys a year.
“As highlighted by the Transport Minister this is a broader range of fare discounts than has been specified in any previous Scottish Government ferry services contract.”
As is set out in Schedule 4 of the public services contract with Scottish Ministers, Serco NorthLink Ferries are required to offer the following range of discounts:
- Islander Discount: this gives a 30% discount on passenger and car tickets for island residents.
- National Concessions: currently this gives a 10% concession to senior citizens with a National Entitlement Card, disabled passengers and those in full-time education.
- ScotRail Travel Pass and Highland Rover tickets: this gives a 20% discount on the seated passenger standard fare purchased on the day of sailing.
- Blind Persons Concession: there are 100% discount fares for blind people.
- National Concession Travel: this currently gives up to four single journeys each year for National Entitlement Card Holders resident in the Northern Isles.
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