Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has welcomed the confirmation by Minister for Transport Stewart Stevenson MSP today (Tuesday, February 26) that a Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) pilot scheme will be introduced in the Outer Hebrides.

The pilot scheme, which will involve all routes from the mainland to the Outer Hebrides, is targeted at delivering lower ferry fares for Scotland’s island communities.

The first step will be a study to establish the most effective and sustainable structure for a Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) pilot scheme for setting ferry fares in Scotland.

Speaking in Stornoway, where the Minister launched the scheme, CalMac Chairman Peter Timms said: “We welcome the detailed clarification of the proposed scheme and now look forward to working with the consultants and with the Scottish Government to develop this into a robust framework which will be ready to apply from the start of our winter timetable in October. CalMac fully supports any initiative which will help regenerate the economies of the islands we serve, through increased traffic and affordable rates. The scheme as proposed brings significant challenges for CalMac, which I am certain we will overcome, however we will need some months to prepare the groundwork prior to its introduction. We are now clear what needs to be done and the process of changing our systems has already begun.”

The routes for the pilot study will be: Ullapool to Stornoway, Uig to Tarbert (Harris)/Lochmaddy (North Uist) and Oban to Castlebay (Barra) and Lochboisdale (South Uist), including Oban to Coll and Tiree.

The RET pilot scheme will commence on 19 October 2008, the start of the winter timetable, and will run until Spring 2011. This will allow it to be fully assessed on its effectiveness, and to identify both positive and any possible negative implications of an RET scheme. This will include the gathering of traffic statistics and information from, for example, ferry users and local employers (including the freight and tourist sectors) designed to allow the impact of the pilot (especially in economic and social terms) to be assessed.

CalMac Operations Director Phil Preston said: “The precise detail of the RET scheme will be worked up as quickly as possible to reflect the fares which will be applied from October 19. We anticipate that our reservations system for vehicles will be open from late August and there is a significant amount of work to be done now to re-design the layout of timetables and other supporting literature, over and above the work that has to be done to re-focus the ticketing system itself. The new fares structure will be very straightforward and simple and it will help set aside many of the complexities which have been with us for historical reasons. It is a fair system and will be transparent and available to everyone travelling on an equitable basis. It remains to be seen how the new regime will impact on travel patterns and traffic flow. We will work closely with the consultants to monitor that on an ongoing basis.”

Full details of the changes to the ticketing and pricing regime in the RET pilot area and the answers to some questions which may require further clarification will be posted on the CalMac website – www.calmac.co.uk – following the meeting of stakeholders to be held in Inverness tomorrow (Wednesday, February 27). There will also be provision on the website for customers to ask questions about the new scheme.

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NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. There are a number of variations on what RET could be. Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) usually involves setting ferry fares related to, but not necessarily equivalent to, the cost of travelling by road.  Ferry fares have been seen by many as a barrier to economic growth on the islands.  It is argued that lowering the fares to a level broadly similar to mainland traffic costs could act as a boost to island economies by reducing freight costs to local businesses, lowering the cost of living for island residents and making the islands more attractive to tourists.

2. The study was carried out by experienced consultants specialising in transport and economy. They are recommending that fares include a core cost plus an RET rate:

3. The consultants will finalise their proposals for the pilot study over the coming month and work with Scottish Government officials and CalMac Ferries Ltd to implement the pilot study in October 2008. Consultants will report their detailed analysis and findings to a meeting of the key stakeholder group established to provide input to the study. The key stakeholder group includes senior representatives of the local authorities, RTPs and ferry operators.

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For all enquiries and any further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Communications Director, Caledonian MacBrayne. Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk.

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

Issued:  Tuesday, 26 February 2008 :  1330