Issue - meetings

Update from Transport Scotland

The Forum gave consideration to an update from Richard Hadfield from Transport Scotland on the Community Based Assessment that had been undertaken to help inform the Business Case for the Gourock-Dunoon/Kilcreggan vessel replacement project.

Mr Hadfield highlighted some key findings from the Community Based Assessment such as the route is highly used by commuters; it forms part of a wider integrated public transport network; carryings are concentrated around peak times and many sailings carry relatively few passengers, suggesting an overprovision at certain times. It was highlighted that the service is often undermined by poor reliability which undermines commuter’s confidence and as such commuters would value a service that is both reliable and resilient. Mr Hadfield also recognised the importance of the service to ensure economic growth within the locality.

Mr Hadfield advised that the Assessment had identified 6 options for addressing the over provision and that there are consequences, both positive and negative, to each of them. To better understand the community’s needs Transport Scotland are undertaking a user survey and have held open days to explore options for improvement. Mr Hadfield advised that they are aiming to supply advice based on feedback to Minsters during the early part of 2025.

The Chair thanked everyone in the community for attending the community event in Dunoon, advising that the current service is operating at a loss and that there are services throughout the day which are underutilised. The Chair highlighted that the route is critical for the community and that the community needs a ferry service which is intergraded with other public transport services.

Discussion took place in relation to the poor reliability of the ferries being the reason as to why passenger numbers are falling. There was also concern around the cost to the tax payer; that the conclusions are being rushed and as a consequence of being based on timetables from December 2022 inaccurate and out of date. The Chair highlighted that before any decision is made that it would need to be checked to ensure that it is the right one for the community.

The Chair advised that should there be further developments on this subject before the next meeting, that the Forum would convene a special meeting to discuss as appropriate.

Outcome

The Forum noted:

1.    the update on the Community Based Assessment in relation to the Future of Calmac's Service;

2.    that the Chair would forward comments and questions to Calmac with responses circulated to the Forum; and

3.    that the Chair and Councillors Blair, Moreland and Sinclair would meet to discuss raising the issue at a future meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee.