Fury as families are left stranded
MSP Derek hits out at Renfrew Ferry operators
Renfrew Ferry bosses have been blasted after breakdowns left families stranded.
Services have been cancelled after a gearbox failure grounded the waterbus.
Commuters have warned the boat is dangerous and has broken down on the River Clyde.
A mum, who asked not to be named, told how the boat was swept away during a power failure while she travelled to work at Braehead.
She said: “The landing craft, which was being used as a ferry, suffered engine failure.
“It was blown downstream with terrified passengers on board.
“The ramp at the front of the boat broke and it was flooded with water, causing it to lean to one side.
“It had to be rescued by another boat.
“Somebody could have been killed.
“On more than one occasion, the ferry has been unable to even reverse off the slipway and has been suspended.
“I lost my work at the shopping centre because the ferry was always off and my boss was fed-up with excuses.”
Clydelink runs a half- hourly service between Renfrew and Yoker seven days a week.
It is a vital link between Renfrewshire and Glasgow for families and workers.
But the boat has been pulled after a mechanical problem struck a fortnight ago.
Passengers say an open-topped boat had been used – leaving them soaked and freezing during rain and snow storms.
They blasted a lack of seating and the poor condition of the craft.
Clydelink’s telephone helpline was last updated on March 30.
An automated message advises passengers the firm is waiting for parts to arrive from abroad.
Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) stopped funding the service in 2010.
It was suspended last year after a safety probe revealed “serious deficiencies” with the vessel.
MSP Derek Mackay represents families in the area and warned about problems with the ferry.
He said: “Since SPT pulled the publicly- provided service between Renfrew and Yoker, the ferry performance by the private operator has got gradually worse.
“Over the last year, it has been really run down, unreliable and very little information has been provided on the replacement bus service – which has been nonexistent lately.
“I was always concerned that, when SPT pulled their support for a directly-run public sector ferry service, the route would be at risk.
“And now my warning may come to pass.
“I am demanding actions and answers both from the private operators and SPT.
“This link has been served by ferry for generations, and the people of Renfrew and Yoker, will not accept it simply being withdrawn temporarily or, even worse, removed completely.”
Clydelink declined to comment.