Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that its fares levels will increase by 1.8% across the network from 1^st April 2008: this includes the Gourock-Dunoon route which is operated separately.

The increase is well below the current level of RPI and applies to all traffic and tickets, including freight operators.

CalMac believes that having absorbed significant cost increases throughout the previous year, with no additional charges passed on to customers, this  small increase represents a reasonable outcome in the circumstances.

CalMac Chairman Peter Timms said: “I am delighted that we have, with the agreement of Ministers, been able to restrict the annual increase to as reasonable a level as can possibly be achieved. Our costs, which are detailed in our Annual Report and Accounts to be published soon, have increased significantly in the last 12 months but we have been able to absorb some of these to help protect our customers’ interests.

“Ministers have also recently announced their plans for a pilot study for a Road Equivalent Tariff approach to ferry fares in line with their Manifesto commitment. After careful consideration, we believe it is important that the increase be restricted to 1.8%.”

The new prices will take effect from 1^st April 2008 and will be confirmed in the company’s brochure Explore, which is due to be published next week.

Ends.

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Communications Director, CalMac Ferries Ltd. Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited.

Issued: Wednesday 10, October, 2007: 1130