Politicians welcome extension of cheap ferry fares in Western Isles

SNP MSP for the Western Isles, Alasdair Allan, has today expressed his delight at the news that the Scottish Government will extend the Road Equivalent Tariff scheme for at least another year on island ferries.

The move means that, instead of ending in April 2011, as originally announced when the scheme was launched in 2007, the reduced fares will now continue until Spring 2012 to allow the Government time to review the RET pilot study which has been underway.

“Island travellers”

Alasdair Allan commented:

“This news comes after much lobbying of government ministers, and is a recognition that the benefits of RET for the island economy are obvious. It was clear that a decision would have to be taken imminently because of the need to print next year’s ferry timetables, and I believe that the right decision has been taken at this time to extend the RET pilot by at least a further year.

”As originally envisaged, the scheme would have run out in April 2011, with a decision on replacement not being taken until some months after that, during which the old pre-RET fares would have made a comeback. Thankfully, in spite of the huge pressures on Scotland’s budget just now, the scheme has now been renewed for a further year.

“While ministers can’t prejudice the results of the RET pilot study by committing yet to the longer term, I hope this is a positive indication for the future and makes the case for RET in the longer term. I would like to thank all constituents who have raised this issue with me, and warmly welcome this positive result for island travellers, the tourist industry and the island economy.”

Angus MacNeil commented:

“This is great news and I am delighted that the lobbying done by myself and Alasdair Allan MSP has paid off, and many in the islands will welcome this news, as they have seen passenger and vehicle numbers increase hugely since the scheme’s introduction in October 2008.

“In particular, the tourism industry in the Western Isles has seen huge benefits since the start of the scheme.

“Almost on a daily basis, I was being asked by constituents what was happening with the scheme beyond 2011. Today’s announcement will be hugely welcomed not just by residents of the Western Isles but also by the many visitors who are now able to visit the islands because of the reduced ferry fares.”

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