| Caledonian MacBrayne highlights timetable improvements | |
| 26 August 2008 Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) today (August 26, 2008) announced it is making 13 improvements to its timetables following consultations with local communities. CalMac has received the go-ahead from the Scottish Government to make the amendments to 13 of the 24 services operated under the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) contract. The changes come into effect at the start of the Winter 2008/09 timetable on Sunday 19th October 2008, and will be published online from Monday 8th September 2008. The timetable amendments, which follow on from other changes made when the contract started in October last year, are largely aimed at ensuring better integration with bus and rail services and improving connectivity for businesses. However one of the most significant improvements is to the Oban – Lismore service which will allow school pupils to commute daily to schools in Oban rather than live in hostels during the week. All will apply in the Winter timetable, with the majority of them also set to be applied in Summer 2009. In addition, CalMac has agreed to carry bicycles free of charge for the first time, with cyclists paying only the relevant passenger fare. Lawrie Sinclair, Managing Director of CalMac, said :”Consulting with local communities to understand as fully as possible their transport needs was an important part of the contract and we have therefore invested a great deal of time since starting the contract doing just that. We are delighted to be able to makes these improvements, which on paper would appear minor, but we know will have a huge impact on the quality of the lives of the communities we serve. “We are also pleased to be able to demonstrate that the scope to make timetable changes does exist in the CHFS contract. This should allay the concerns of some that there was no flexibility in our future operations. Of course, for operational and financial reasons, we have been unable to make all the changes the communities or we would like this time round. We share the disappointment of those who haven’t got the changes they desired. However we are committed to continuous improvement of all our services, and will continue to investigate ways in which we can do so.” The timetable improvements have been welcomed by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson, who said: “In removing charges for bicycles CalMac has acknowledged the demand from commuters and tourists to get on their bikes, and I’m sure more people in future will take advantage of free cycle transportation to enjoy the West coast.” The decision to drop charges for bicycles has been welcomed by cycling groups. Erl Wilkie, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “The removal of charges for cycles on CalMac ferries is something to be welcomed, as it will make access to Scotland's many beautiful islands a more attractive option for both tourists and islanders travelling by bike. Cycle tourism is a growing industry in Scotland and already contributes well to our overall tourism economy. Any step taken to give this industry a boost is a step forward." Ends.
1. The following changes have been approved by the Scottish Government and incorporated into the Winter 2008/09 and, in most cases, the Summer 2009 Timetables: · Ullapool-Stornoway, Winter 2008/09 and Summer 2009 timetables –changes of 15, 30 or 60 minutes to improve vessel refuelling and integration with bus services. · Colintraive-Rhubodach, Winter 2008/09 and Summer 2009 timetables - to improve the regularity of sailing times.
3. Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL). These names are used under licence from Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). The lion rampant device is used by CFL with the permission of CMAL.
David Cannon, Issued: 26 August 2008 | |
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