Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that shore ticketing will commence on the Ardrossan to Brodick service from the first sailing next Monday (June 21).

The ferry company will be introducing the shore ticketing system to the Ardrossan-Brodick, Gourock-Dunoon and Wemyss Bay-Rothesay routes over the summer. This is in line with ticketing procedures on most of the routes in the CalMac network. It means that customers must purchase their tickets before boarding.

Customers at Ardrossan and Brodick are advised that they should therefore allow enough time for check-in: 10 minutes for passengers 30 minutes for vehicles at Ardrossan, Brodick.  All tickets will be inspected and/or collected prior to boarding. For security and administrative reasons, all customers must be in possession of a valid ticket. Customers without tickets cannot board the vessel. 

Tickets may be purchased at any CalMac office, either from staff at the ticket counter or from fixed automated ticket machines located in or adjacent to the ticket office.   Tickets may also be purchased in vehicle marshalling areas from staff with mobile ticketing machines.

Hugh Dan MacLennan, CalMac Head of Communication and Customer Services said: “The shore ticketing system and infrastructure has been trialled on the Arran route for the last few weeks and we have now reached the stage where customers and staff are comfortable with the procedures and mechanisms involved. There are very good reasons for undertaking this change and we are sure that it will lead to benefits for everybody. If customers require any help with the new ticketing procedures, please ask a member of staff for assistance.”

Customers can find out more about shore ticketing and the background to its introduction and operation on the CalMac website ww.calmac.co.uk in the “About Us” section.

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Services, Caledonian MacBrayne.   Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Issued:  June 15, 2004: 0900