Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that there will be no increase in fares for commercial vehicles using the network from the beginning of April 2003. Fares for cars, passengers and coaches will be pegged to an increase equivalent to the rate of inflation.

The freeze in commercial vehicle tariffs is seen as a means of offering assistance to fragile island and remote communities served by Caledonian MacBrayne. Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “I am sure that the freeze on commercial vehicle rates will be widely welcomed and it represents an opportunity for us to recognise the particular conditions which apply in the communities which we help sustain through life-line services. I hope that this will be recognised and that other agencies with influence in this sector of the economy will take a similar view.”

Mr Sinclair added: “ We have kept the other fares increases to the minimum level practicable and by not going beyond the predicted inflation rate we are endeavouring to keep the costs passed on to others at the lowest level possible.”

The new ferry fares will apply from the start of next year’s summer timetable in the first week of April, 2003.