l The Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) scheme involves setting ferry fares on the basis of the cost of travelling an equivalent distance by road.
The scheme was set up in 2008 to encourage economic growth and employment.
l The RET was scheduled to end in spring 2012, but the Scottish Government has since announced plans to continue the cut-price travel scheme as a permanent feature on the Western Isles, Coll and Tiree for passengers and cars, including small commercial vehicles and coaches.
l Last year it was claimed the Western Isles pilot scheme had boosted journeys by up to 31%, benefiting tourism and local business.
l Now, the Government will replace RET for larger commercial vehicles on the Western Isles with an enhanced pre-RET discount scheme.
l The Government will roll out a further RET pilot for passenger and cars including small commercial vehicles and coaches to Colonsay, Islay and Gigha from October 2012.
l From October 2014, there are plans to roll out a further RET pilot for passengers and cars including small commercial vehicles and coaches to Arran and other West Coast and Clyde islands.
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