Forward bookings hope as ferry fares frozen until September
FARES on the Northern Isles ferry service will be frozen for another six months – with hopes the decision will now pave the way for NorthLink to open up summer bookings.
Ticket prices will be held at current levels from April until the end of September to help people and businesses from Scotland’s rural and island communities. The freeze is also being imposed on the Clyde and Hebrides network.
The move will allow operators to release their timetables from April onwards.
There has been frustration simmering in the islands that bookings have not been available on the NorthLink ferry service from April onwards.
Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is acutely aware of the particular challenges faced by our island communities, where the ongoing cost of living impacts are arguably more challenging than in any other part of the country.
“Ministers are also mindful of the disruption on the ferry network in recent times – particularly in relation to the Clyde and Hebrides network.
“This fares freeze is the right thing for our island communities and I hope it will go some way to encouraging tourism this summer as island businesses continue to recover from the pandemic.
“We will consider fares policy in the longer term as part of both the Island Connectivity Plan and our wider ‘fair fares’ review, to ensure that we continue to address the needs of Scotland’s islands.”
Ferry fares usually rise in line with CPI in January, but Transport Scotland had already frozen fares until April.
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