Transport / Changes to inter-island ferry payment process
THERE will be some changes to the way passengers pay for travel on Shetland’s inter-island ferries from 1 April.
From this date, invoices will no longer be available for accounts set up during the period of the Covid pandemic.
However, previously issued account cards can still be shown to allow cardholders to access discounted fares for the vehicle and driver to be paid at the time of travel.
Shetland Islands Council said payment can be made on board vessels using cash or contactless card.
Business and commercial users will not be affected by these changes above and their accounts will remain active.
Businesses wishing to open a new account should contact ferries.admin@shetland.gov.uk.
Holders of Over 60s ‘Saltire cards’ issued by Shetland Islands Council can continue to access discounted fares on production of their card.
New account cards will not be issued in future but Shetland residents who wish to benefit from discounted fares can apply for a Saltire card online.
The council’s transport planning team can be contacted on 01595 744868 for further support.
All passenger fares will be automatically applied at the discounted rate.
The 2023/24 adult passenger fare is £2.80, the child passenger fare is £0.80, and the fare for over 60s with an SIC-issued Saltire Card is £0.80.
Existing multi-journey tickets, sold in books of ten, remain valid for travel.
New multi-journey tickets, valid for travel from 1 April, are available and can be purchased online in the miscellaneous items section.
Multi journey tickets can also be bought from reception at Port Admin Building, Sella Ness or the council’s headquarters at 8 North Ness, Lerwick.
They will not be available to purchase on board ferries. Further outlets for the sale of multi-journey tickets may become available depending on demand.
These changes follow decisions made by Shetland Islands Council and ZetTrans this week.
The fares policy review currently underway by ZetTrans will further address ticketing and fare structures across the Shetland transport network for buses, and inter-island ferries and flights.
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