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27 November 2008
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From: SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Friday, March 3, 2006
SCOTT ANNOUNCES ARRANGEMENTS FOR FREE BERTHS ON NORTHERN ISLES FERRIES
Anyone living on Orkney or Shetland and entitled to concessionary travel under
the Executive's Scotland-wide travel scheme will benefit from free berths on the
Northern Isles ferries.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott today announced that older and disabled
islanders taking advantage of the four free single journeys will be entitled to
free berths on overnight services, except in the high season. In addition where
two concessionary card holders travel together they will also be able to book
exclusive use of a cabin on overnight services.
Island residents who apply for the new National Entitlement card will receive
four ferry vouchers with their card which they can then use to book their
travel. The cards and vouchers will start being issued in the next few weeks.
Mr Scott said:
"As well as free nationwide bus travel, older and disabled islanders will get
two free return ferry trips to the mainland. As part of that package, I am
delighted that we will be able to provide free berths to travellers on Northern
Isles ferries.
"I welcome the decision by all the ferry operators to introduce these free
berths which will benefit card holders travelling between Orkney or Shetland and
the mainland.
"I would take this opportunity to encourage anyone eligible who has not yet
applied for concessionary travel to do so now.
"These ferry journeys complement the airfare reductions of 40 per cent that will
be available to all islanders by the summer. Older people will therefore have
real options in choosing how to travel in the future."
Details of cabin/Berth allocation:
- Cabins will only be allocated on over night services.
- Single concession holder: - will be able to access at no charge a berth in a
same sex cabin, either two or four berth. Cabin allocation would be at the
operator's discretion although concession holders would always be offered a
lower berth. A single passenger can opt for exclusive use of a cabin but would
be required to pay the difference in cost.
- A single concession holder travelling with non concession holder:- the value
of one shared berth only will be charged to the Scottish Executive and any
additional costs relating to the non-concession holder's travel such as berths
or an exclusive cabin will be met by the non-concession holder.
- Two concessionary travellers travelling together and wishing to share a
cabin: - will receive exclusive use of a cabin. Again allocation will be at the
discretion of the operator, although primarily they would be offered a twin
berth cabin. Therefore where two concession holders are travelling together they
will always receive an exclusive use of a cabin if available.
- Similarly two concession card holders travelling in a party can opt to share
a four berth cabin. In this instance the operator will charge the concessionary
fares unit the value of two berths in a four berth cabin and the other non
concessionary card holders would be charged for their berth.
- Concessionary card holders have the option to upgrade to premium cabins
although additional charges would be met by the card holder.
Contact: Stephen Orr: 0131-244-5181
Internet:
www.scotland.gov.uk |
