9/3/09
Rob Gibson SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands has welcomed the Scottish Government announced that pins ferry fares to a 2 per cent increase across the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services and seeks further economies on Northlink sailings.
He said, "This protects lifeline services in tough economic climate. I'm glad that multi-journey tickets most commonly used by islanders are not affected. Commercial vehicles and coaches will be exempt. The rise is in addition to the published fares increase of 2.2 per cent which will be applied to bookings from the beginning of this summer season.
"The RET pilot has greatly increased ferry traffic to and from the Western Isles.
"Eventually the RET roll out could help North Isles services however in this economic recession and London Treasury cuts to Scottish Parliament budgets it preclude progress.
"For Orkney and Shetland efficiency measures including a timetable change to NorthLink's Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland routes will ensure more fuel efficient running. This will mean a revision to the current timetable with precise details shortly. NorthLink can make more efficiencies, particularly during the winter when there are fewer passengers on the Aberdeen-Lerwick route.
" I am glad that the SNP Government continues to do its level best for all lifeline ferry routes in the midst of Labour's recession."
Ends
Rob Gibson SNP MSP for Highlands and Islands has welcomed the Scottish Government announced that pins ferry fares to a 2 per cent increase across the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services and seeks further economies on Northlink sailings.
He said, "This protects lifeline services in tough economic climate. I'm glad that multi-journey tickets most commonly used by islanders are not affected. Commercial vehicles and coaches will be exempt. The rise is in addition to the published fares increase of 2.2 per cent which will be applied to bookings from the beginning of this summer season.
"The RET pilot has greatly increased ferry traffic to and from the Western Isles.
"Eventually the RET roll out could help North Isles services however in this economic recession and London Treasury cuts to Scottish Parliament budgets it preclude progress.
"For Orkney and Shetland efficiency measures including a timetable change to NorthLink's Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland routes will ensure more fuel efficient running. This will mean a revision to the current timetable with precise details shortly. NorthLink can make more efficiencies, particularly during the winter when there are fewer passengers on the Aberdeen-Lerwick route.
" I am glad that the SNP Government continues to do its level best for all lifeline ferry routes in the midst of Labour's recession."
Ends
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