Ferry user groups have called on the Scottish Government to break up CalMac’s ‘monopoly’ and to improve ferry provision.
Islanders say that more local control of routes is needed to avoid the crippling transport crisis which has affected rural communities in recent years.
The the Mull & Iona Ferry Committee have gone as far as preparing a feasibility study to look at the possibility of setting up their own service, while Western Isles Council, has also floated the idea of a Western Isles ‘bundle’.
However, there are fears that the most lucrative routes would be sold off to private firms, increasing costs for ferry travellers.
A report for the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee also recommended extending CalMac’s contract to ten years instead of the current eight-year cycle, in a bid to improve services.
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The Herald has been covering all the latest developments in Scotland’s ferry crisis, from disruption to services, failed building work and islanders’ growing concers.
Check out our latest coverage here:
'No more monopoly': Islanders' CalMac replacement 'on the cards'
Ferry ticket prices: fares freeze extended until 2024
Islanders' anger over call to give CalMac new ferry contract
CalMac's parent company David MacBrayne Group (DMG) has received nearly £900m in taxpayer subsidies over six years from the Scottish Government to run the ferry services since securing the ferry contract in 2016.
The level of handout has soared from £131.939m in 2016/17 to over £163m in 2021/22 including £11.7m in Covid funding.
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