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Scottish
Labour will introduce substantial ferry service discounts for Scotland's
islanders if
re-elected in May.
The new scheme would initially reduce the cost of
ferry travel for passengers by up to 40%.
First Minister Jack
McConnell today announced that Scottish Labour will introduce substantial
ferry service discounts for Scotland's islanders if re-elected in May.
The ambitious announcement came as local MSP Allan Wilson joined the First
Minister on a visit to the Western Isles. The new scheme will offer a 40%
reduction in the cost of ferry travel for foot passengers. There will be
other discount arrangements introduced for cars and freight. The scheme
would be open to residents who live on an island that has ferry links to the
Scottish mainland.
In announcing the Labour manifesto commitment, the First Minister paid
tribute to the campaigning work of Cunninghame North MSP, Allan Wilson. He
said: "Alan Wilson has been pursuing this issue vigorously within Scottish
Labour and the Executive”.
"As someone who was brought up on the Isle of Arran, I know only too well
the additional challenges that come with island life, and the additional
support that is necessary to ensure that our islands thrive, rather than
simply survive.
"That is why I am announcing today that Scottish Labour will create a new
Ferry Discount Scheme for people living on Scotland's Islands."
The new scheme would initially reduce the cost of ferry travel for
passengers by up to 40%. As well as residents living on islands with a ferry
link to the mainland, those islanders who were studying at mainland colleges
and universities but whose home was on an island would also be eligible.
In common with the existing Air Discount Scheme, islanders would have to
register and receive a card and PIN number that would have to be used when
booking travel. Eventually, Scottish Labour hopes to have a single travel
discount card that will cover both air discounts and ferry discounts.
Speaking in Stornoway, Alan Wilson said: "This is great news for my
constituents on Arran and Cumbrae and for all those families and businesses
on Scotland's islands.
Discounts on the ferries
are very important for island economic and social development.. We have seen
that with the success of the free ferry and bus travel scheme for the
elderly, one of the great achievements of Labour in the Scottish Parliament
and now we intend to go further. on discounted ferry
travel for all island residents.
Our islands are culturally and historically very important to Scotland's
past l. and I want to see our island communities continue to grow and
thrive. in the future as well That is why I have been campaigning so hard
for this. Labour has already proved that it supports Scotland's Islands and
can deliver ambitious national transport schemes like this. Now, if Labour
is re-elected in May, we will deliver the ferry discounts".
Labour will consult with ferry companies shortly after the election on the
detailed implementation of the scheme, but it estimates that the total cost
for passengers would be around £4 million per year.
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