Western Ferries will continue to provide free crossings for concession card holders, despite cuts in compensation payments to travel companies operating the scheme.
The company confirmed earlier this week that it would not implement the new fares - 60p single and £1 return - which were due to come into effect from April 1.
Managing director Gordon Ross said: “Under the current arrangement, holders of the Cowal Ferry Card are entitled to free passage on our services between Dunoon and Gourock.
“Following a review of the concessionary fare scheme by Strathclyde Passenger Transport, it was decided that card holder would now have to pay for ferry travel, and at the same time the compensation paid to ferry operators would be reduced.
“Despite this, we have taken a commercial decision not to charge these new fares, allowing those entitled to concessionary travel under the current Cowal Ferry Card scheme to continue to benefit from free crossings as passengers. Those with companion ferry cards will also be able to travel free of charge for the passenger element.”
Saying that the company had made the decision in recognition of the loyalty and support given to Western Ferries by the local community, Mr Ross added that the charges could have had an adverse effect on those making regular trips across the Clyde for hospital visits.
He continued: “We have discussed this decision with officials from SPT and they are content for us to proceed on this basis. They played a positive role and I believe our decision best reflects the purpose of the scheme, our customers’ expectations and SPT’s need to ensure its long term financial viability.”
Information about how many passengers currently use ferry cards on Western Ferries’ Dunoon-Gourock route, and how much the initiative will ultimately cost the company, was not forthcoming.
Western Ferries said that it hopes to maintain the policy for the foreseeable future, but added that it may be necessary to review its position if SPT makes further changes.

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