Transport / Cancellation fees suggested as Northern Isles ferry contract goes out to consultation
NORTHERN ISLES ferry passengers could be charged a late cancellation fee to encourage people to cancel bookings in enough time to make spaces available to others.
The suggestion comes in a new consultation on the next Northern Isles Ferry Services (NIFS) contract, which opens to the public today and runs to 13 October.
The Scottish Government consultation asks people if they agree with the idea of a late cancellation fee on pre-booked tickets to “incentivise customers to cancel bookings with reasonable notice”.
It said that NorthLink ferries will occasionally show as fully booked, but will sail with empty spaces because booked cars, lorries or cabin users have failed to cancel.
A road equivalent tariff (RET) fare could also be introduced for islanders travelling on the Aberdeen-Kirkwall-Lerwick route, according to the consultation.
RET is a distance-based fares structure which is used on routes to the Western Isles, with fares changed to be directly proportional to distance.
Fares are calculated as a combination of a fixed element, to ensure services remain sustainable, and with a rate per mile as calculated by Transport Scotland analysts.
The Scottish Government has asked Northern Isles ferry users if they would like to see RET fares for islanders on the route.
And it has also asked if they would like to see “more dynamic prices for visitors”, which it said would help manage demand and would support RET for islanders.
Respondents to the consultation are also asked for their views on overnight pods and reclining chairs, and what the operator could do to support those who need to travel urgently.
People are asked as well to give any suggestions as to how the Scottish Government can better manage, or reduce the demand, on routes with high freight volumes until two new freighter-flex ferries can be added to the fleet.
The online public consultation runs for 12 weeks, and invites people, businesses and stakeholders to shape the next Northern Isles ferry contract.
The current contract ends on 30 June 2028.
A series of public engagement sessions are also being planned for later in the year, and a dedicated NIFS 4 webpage has been launched to provide updates on the contract’s development.
Connectivity minister Jim Fairlie said direct engagement with those who rely on the service was an “essential part of developing the next generation of contract”.
“Our aim for NIFS4 is not only to deliver a service that meets current needs, but one that is fit for the future,” he said.
“Alongside the proposed vessel replacement programme set out in the Islands Connectivity Plan, this will help ensure these ferry services are reliable and resilient for years to come.
“We recognise the importance of these ferry routes and this consultation will allow our stakeholders to share their views to inform the future specification for these services.
“I would strongly encourage everyone with an interest to take part in the consultation and help us ensure that these lifeline connections continue to deliver for our island communities.”
Shetland Islands Council’s environment and transport committee chairwoman Moraig Lyall urged everyone with a view on the future of the ferry services to respond to the consultation.
“I know that many Shetlanders have strong views on how the service could be improved to better meet their needs – this is the chance to have direct input into the process that will determine the details of the service for the next decade,” she said.
“It’s vital that the next ferry contract takes full account of the views of our community and businesses”.
You can respond to the consultation here.
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