2 Firms Selected To Bid For Ferry Services
Tenders will be invited for new 8 year contract from 2016
State-owned CalMac and private firm Serco will go head to head for the next contract to operate Clyde & Hebrides ferry services.
They will be invited to put in tenders for the 8 year deal to run the routes for the Scottish Government from October 2016.
Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: “This is another significant step forward for the tender process and moves us closer to awarding the next Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract. “The award of this contract will be an incredibly important moment for the island communities served by these lifeline ferry services. The Scottish Government will provide up to £1bn of funding to support the enhancement and development of these services, in addition to fares revenue.
"It will also ensure that Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) continues to be applied on CHFS routes, bringing significantly reduced fares for passengers, cars, small commercial vehicles and coaches and helping to support local communities and the tourist industry.
“These ferry services play a crucial role in enabling continued and sustainable economic growth for the Islands. We are committed to delivering the very best deal for all of the communities of the Clyde and Hebrides.”
Its been confirmed that the routes will be tendered as one bundle.