Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has introduced Photo-Season Tickets on the Gourock-Dunoon and Wemyss Bay-Rothesay routes to replace the current Season Tickets.

The new season tickets are credit card-style and size; clear, simple to read and long-lasting. They are for passengers only (not for cars) and user-friendly with customers’ photographs taken via web-cam and tickets prepared and printed at the port. The ticket shows the customer’s printed name, route details and the date validity of the ticket. The ticket may only be used by the person identified on the ticket. A barcode is also printed on the ticket, storing the information which is on the card. A duplicate file copy ticket will be printed with each season ticket and will be held by CalMac.

Shirley Fraser, CalMac Regional Manager on the Upper Clyde said: "The new style cards are extremely easy to use and will be a much more practical option for customers on the Upper Clyde using a number of destinations. They are available for a minimum period of one month and then in blocks of 3 months, 6 months and a year. This should offer regular users attractive prices and added convenience that they will be able to use the tickets for unlimited travel during the period. The use of modern technology also offers the company added revenue security and the customer has the added advantage of knowing that their ticket cannot be used by anyone else, but easily replaced for a nominal fee as we have an electronic duplicate."

Customers are advised that if a season ticket is lost, a duplicate ticket can only be issued at the original port of issue where the hard copy ‘File Copy’ will be held. There will be a £5.00 fee for replacing lost season tickets.

SEASON TICKET PPRICES

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

Issued: Tuesday 29 March, 2005 : 12:45