Ferry fares consultation

LOCAL people will have a chance on Monday to make their views known on reducing the ferry fares on the NorthLink lifeline services between Shetland, Orkney and the Scottish mainland.

 The Scottish Government has appointed consultants Peter Brett Associates to gather views from ferry users.

This follows a commitment for cheaper fares on the northern isles routes after the introduction of the Road Equivalent Tariff slashed ferry fares on some west coast routes by more than 50 per cent.

During a visit to the isles in August, Scottish transport minister Humza Yousaf reiterated that a commitment and said that ferry fares would be cut sooner rather than later and added that any such reduction would be “meaningful”, without giving figures.

Peter Brett Associates has been given the job to gather views from a cross-section of ferry users on fares for passengers, cars and cabins.

Chairman of Shetland Island Council’s transport committee, Michael Stout, urged islanders to participate in the consultation.

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“This is the first meaningful opportunity for anyone who travels on our lifeline ferry service to express their views on what they think the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland should take into account to address the cost of ferry travel, whether for business or leisure.

“The information gathered from this study will help them to consider how to introduce cheaper fares on the northern isles ferry routes.

“It’s vital that the views of those islanders who travel by ferry, either regularly or just occasionally, are captured in this study.”

Peter Brett Associates will be holding a drop–in session in the auditorium of the Shetland Museum on Monday 3 October between 4pm and 8pm.

Slides from the exhibition are available in advance of the meeting, while those unable to attend can air their views online here.