All three of the mainland to Outer Hebrides routes will feature in the pilot exercise, which has been developed by consultants on behalf of the Scottish Government: from Stornoway to Ullapool, from Uig to Tarbert and Lochmaddy, from Oban to Castlebay and Lochboisdale and the service from Oban to Coll and Tiree.

The two inter-island services operated by CalMac across the Sounds of Harris and Barra in the Outer Hebrides will not feature in the pilot. The fares for the inter-island legs (between Castlebay and Lochboisdale and Tarbert to Lochmaddy) will not be at RET rates but will be set at the same level as the fares on the Sounds of Barra and Harris.

The length of each route to be used in the calculation of the RET fare has been determined by the consultants. CalMac will calculate the new fares on the basis of the information and data supplied by the consultant.