Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that there will, for the second successive year, be no increase in fares for nearly all commercial vehicles on approved services throughout the network. General fares increases for cars, passengers and coaches will be pegged at 2.5% - an increase in line with the rate of inflation.

The repeated freeze in commercial vehicle tariffs is seen as a means of offering assistance to fragile island economies and remote communities served by Caledonian MacBrayne. Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “I am sure that the freeze on commercial vehicle rates will again be widely welcomed; and also the passenger increase hels as it is at 2.5% . I hope that this will be recognised and that other agencies with influence in this sector of the economy will take a similar view. The company is writing to harbour authorities throughout the network asking them to keep their increases to the same level if not less. Anything else will inevitably have to be passed on to our customers through increase in fares.”

While the fares for commercial vehicles throughout the network are being held at this year’s rates, charges on the Gourock to Dunoon route are being raised by 2.5% as the vehicle service is a non-approved service in terms of the company’s Undertaking with the Scottish Executive.

Mr Sinclair added: “We have kept the fares increases for cars, passengers and coaches to the minimum level practicable, while at the same time securing our future as a business, recognising our lifeline service obligations and being mindful of our aim not to require any increase in the level of deficit grant we have been allocated. By not going beyond the inflation rate we are endeavouring to keep the fares which may have to be passed on to others at the lowest level possible.”

The new ferry fares will apply from the start of the summer timetable on Apri 2, 2004.

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Public Affairs Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne.

Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk

Issued: Tuesday,  September 22, 2003 : 1000