Ferry fares fall thanks to RET

CHEAPER ferry fares on various CalMac routes came into effect on Monday, as the Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) was introduced.

Islands including Mull, Iona, Barra, Skye, Raasay, Cumbrae and the Small Isles all benefited for the first time from the distance-based fare structure.

The popular Oban to Craignure route now costs £16.45 one-way for a single passenger and vehicle, down from £ 56.65 – a 70 per cent saving.

On routes to the Western Isles, it now costs £13.20 for a single car and passenger to travel from Eriskay to Barra, down from £ 31.40.

MSP for the Western Isles, Alasdair Allan, praised the reduction: ‘ This is welcome news for the Western Isles and represents a substantial 60 per cent reduction in costs for people using interisland ferry services.

‘ I have continued to raise the issue of fares on the Sound of Harris and Sound of Barra since I was elected. Following the introduction of RET elsewhere, the inter-island ferries were, mile for mile, more expensive than other ferry routes.

‘ That anomaly has been ended, and we have ensured better and more affordable transport links between our islands.’

RET was first piloted in 2008 on routes including Coll and Tiree.

Other destinations including Islay, Colonsay and Gigha followed in 2012 and Arran in October last year.

The Scottish Government said the price of a single passenger fare on routes have fallen by an average of 44 per cent, while car fares will be cut by around 55 per cent.