Season ticket removal will see Cumbrae Commuters fare increase by 70%
The Isle of Cumbrae Ferry Committee say those commuting daily from the island will see an increase of 70% in fares, devastating the local community.
Last updated 12th Apr 2023
There is a warning that soaring ferry costs caused by the removal of season tickets could cripple the economy of the Isle of Cumbrae.
The Isle of Cumbrae Ferry Committee say they are ‘extremely disappointed’ by the decision from Transport Scotland and CalMac to remove the season ticket scheme.
According to the group, the removal of it will see those from the island who commute daily to mainland Scotland pay an increase of 70%.
The ferry committee say annual season tickets last cost £463. They’re also saying anyone who commutes daily based on an average of 220 days at work with a rate of a £3.60 return fare will now pay £792 – a 171% of the previous season ticket.
Chairman of the group Angus Campbell is calling on Transport Scotland and CalMac to reinstate the season ticket, as it brings no benefits for anyone.
He’s telling Greatest Hits Radio that more people will now consider moving off the island, when their population has been falling by 1% each year for the past two decades.
'70% fare increase for those serving the community'
He also says the group have been ‘fobbed off’ by Transport Scotland and havent’ been engaging with communities to see how it will affect people.
He said: “There are quite a number of care workers, teacher, nurses, doctors who travel daily from the Island to perform services for the community.
“So, for people who are not well paid, a 70% hike in their travel costs is a significant issue during a cost-of-living crisis.
“We’re frustrated with both organisations. We’ve tried to engage constructively with them to have dialogue with the officials and the transport minister, but we keep getting fobbed off and they’re procrastinating.
“We’d like to see them reinstate this season ticket, and we’d like to see Transport Scotland and CalMac putting their customers first, and actually engaging with the vulnerable island communities that they serve.
“This is unreasonable and untenable for individuals, families and businesses who have budgeted based on a long-established season ticket cost.”
Transport Scotland 'considering' different approach
Ministers in the Scottish Government say they’re ‘considering’ other approaches to resolve the issue.
Minister for Transport Kevin Stewart said: “The withdrawal of season tickets is in line with the introduction of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET), where products that offered an additional discount over and above RET were to be removed from sale.
“Transport Scotland officials have had an initial meeting with CalMac to investigate potential options for eBooking of multi-journey tickets on the new Ar Turas ticketing system, although this is at an early stage.
“Wider fares policy will be considered as part of the Islands Connectivity Plan and future fares options will be considered through that process.”
However, RET is something Mr Campbell from the Ferry Committee says has never benefited the Isle of Cumbrae.
He added: “Cumbrae is the only island that residents didn’t benefit from RET in 2015, as the prices were set at the value of multi journey tickets that islanders previously utilised.
“The removal of season tickets will increase the depopulation of the island and further damage its fragile economy; after the government acknowledged that islands and rural communities were amongst those hardest hit by the impacts of COVID. “
A spokeswoman for CalMac said: “An annual season ticket has not existed since December 2021. The product was withdrawn after the introduction of the Road Equivalent Tariff (RET), which reduced the cost of standard ferry tickets. Transport Scotland rules state we cannot apply additional price reductions on non-concessionary travel.
“For the same reason, the monthly season ticket product has recently been withdrawn. The actual impact of this on those who formerly bought monthly tickets will be an increase of around 20%.
“Local communities have been kept informed throughout the transition period via stakeholders such as ferry committees and community councils.”