Outrage as the Ferry stops sailing
Replacement bus fails to appear
Passengers are demanding answers after the Renfrew Ferry abruptly stopped running.
The service is run by private firm Clydelink after Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) announced in 2010 it would no longer fund the historic route across the River Clyde from Renfrew to Yoker.
But for over a week now, passengers on both sides of the river have been left stranded as the ferry appears to have stopped running.
A sign put up on railings at the slipway says the ferry is “temporarily out of service” and a free bus would be running every 30 minutes.
However, passengers claim this hasn’t been reliable.
Renfrew North and West MSP Derek Mackay said: “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has been served by the ferry for generations, and the people of Renfrew, and Yoker, will not accept it simply being withdrawn temporarily, or even worse, removed completely.
“The route serves a historic link, as well as a practical route for people getting to work, shopping or visiting friends and family.
“I have been contacted by constituents concerned about this, and the lack of information is troubling, especially as people currently unaware of the issue are turning up expecting a ferry service then feel somewhat stranded.”
A ferry has run between Renfrew and Yoker for the past 200 years. SPT announced in January 2010 it was dropping its subsidy for the service, saving £430,000.
Clydelink stepped in to run the service and operates two boats across the river, The Renfrew Rose and Yoker Swan.
Its offices are listed on its website as being in Glasgow.
When contacted by the Paisley Daily Express, a recorded message said that due to staff holidays, there would be no answer until Tuesday, August 11.
Mr Mackay added: “The accounts of those turning up at the slipways is that the contact number is not being answered, and the substitute coach service is nonexistent.
“I have myself called the number on the poster on several occasions, to receive a message saying ‘the phone is switched off’.”
Despite attempts, no- one from Clydelink responded to the Paisley Daily Express’s requests for a comment.