Integration of services

The consultation paper noted that journeys on Scotland’s ferry networks are often only part of a longer journey between the traveller’s ultimate origin and destination. The end-to-end journey can combine the use of several transport modes, which can include public transport and/or active travel (walking, wheeling, and cycling), or a private vehicle. An integrated transport network that allows easier transition between the ferry and public transport or active travel is a key enabler to encourage the use of ferry networks without the need for a private vehicle. This has benefits to the user such as making the transport system more accessible, making better use of capacity on ferries and contributing to net zero.

Around 180 respondents answered Question 9.

A common theme was that some people might be willing to reduce their car use when travelling by ferry, but only if alternatives are convenient and cost effective, and that this will require co-ordination and investment. Many of the comments emphasised the importance of an integrated transport network and the vital role that reliable and well-connected public transport can play.

Barriers to public transport use

Although a small number of respondents reported that they already use public transport when viable options are available, most explained that they feel it is simply not a realistic prospect for them. It was noted that this applies particularly to the island side of a crossing, and in particular, to anyone living outside the immediate port community. It was also suggested that current infrastructure, the distances involved, the weather, and the nature of island travel does not make active travel practical or desirable in most cases.

Among the main barriers to public transport use noted were:

• Disabled passengers needing to take additional equipment such as mobility aids and medical equipment that make it necessary to travel by private car.
• Travel being business related and often to tight timescales and potentially to remote areas.
• The need to move goods or pick up supplies, including to avoid the high small freight charges on the ferries, or to take luggage.

However, the most-frequently made point was that public transport systems are simply not good enough – in terms of coverage, frequency or reliability – to enable people to leave their cars behind. Examples of location-specific problems provided included:

• No public transport services being available to take people for early morning check-in for the ferry.
• Bus services are reported as being few and far between; for example, on the Isle of Harris, with the first buses running after the first ferry departs Tarbert and the last buses stopping well before the last ferry arrives.
• If arriving into Scrabster, respondents reported needing to get a taxi to Thurso in order to make train or bus connections to Inverness.
• If arriving as a foot passenger into Oban, respondents reported potentially long waits for a bus or train with nowhere to leave luggage while waiting.

More generally, it was noted that the practicalities of travelling with luggage, children, pets and/or mobility challenges, mean that public transport options can be lacking in terms of the current overall journey experience. It was also noted that these challenges can be amplified in the event of disruption to ferry services.

Fit for purpose public transport

There were calls to improve the availability and frequency of bus services in many locations; there was a view that subsidised rural and islands bus services have, for the most part, been in decline in recent years, and it was suggested that this is due to reduced funding and falling patronage. It was suggested that new, targeted funding would need to be made available to ensure that there would be the necessary local bus links to deliver improved onward connectivity from ferry terminals.

The regional rail network was also seen as having a key role to play in facilitating onwards and connecting travel, and there were calls for the necessary investment to provide reliable and punctual services that offer good value for money and high levels of passenger satisfaction.

Co-ordinated timetables

Along with generally improved services, co-ordinated ferry, bus and train timetables were seen as vital, with minimum wait times and sufficient capacity ensuring that switching between different modes of travel is not only viable in terms of journey times, but also reliable. Reliability was connected to service users being reassured that there is sufficient capacity as well as alignment with connecting services.

However, it was noted that co-ordinating timetables may not always be straightforward and it was suggested that collaboration with the relevant local authorities would be essential to taking this forward, and there were reports that Regional Transport Partnerships are arranging meetings of operators to co-ordinate timetables and promote integration.

Other suggestions for increasing timetable co-ordination, or for enabling travellers to make best use of co-ordinated services, included:

• Providing travellers with real-time information and planning tools that help them navigate their journey using a combination of ferry services and other modes of transport. This could include mobile apps, online trip planners, and signage at ferry terminals.
• Ensuring that the transition from one mode of transport to another is safe, seamless, accessible for all and well signposted to assist with wayfinding, including tactile wayfinding. Passenger assistance between modes should be available.
• Factoring in additional time that some disabled or older passengers may need to transfer between modes.
• Building in some flexibility and systems to respond to delays, for example with trains and buses that wait for ferry passengers if the service is delayed or, where this is not an option, onward travel is provided by the ferry operator.

However, it was also noted that allowing for ferry delays can have a significant knock-on impact for the wider transport network if, for example, buses wait for late-running ferries and are then not available for other services, such as school transport.

Terminals and hubs

Another focus for respondents was the potential to better support customer journeys, including their experience of using public transport, by improving integration at ferry terminals. It was noted that the Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 (STPR2) recommends a detailed review of key ferry terminals to consider physical integration and accessibility improvements in timetable information, signing, ticketing and other facilities required to deliver a seamless and integrated journey between different travel modes.

In terms of the types of issues that may need to be looked at, there was reference to:

• Ensuring that ferry terminals are easily accessible by public transport and active travel modes, such as walking and cycling. It was suggested that this could involve improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, providing bike racks, and integrating ferry terminals with existing public transport networks.
• In particular, addressing “last mile” connectivity, by providing convenient and accessible transportation options for passengers to reach their final destinations from ferry terminals. This could include shuttle services, bike-sharing programs, carpooling initiatives, and improved pedestrian infrastructure.
• Having trained staff who understand the challenges of connections and who are able to provide advice and support to non-vehicle travellers, especially at times of sailing disruption.
• Improving waiting facilities for foot passengers, wheelers, walkers, and cyclists.
• Better car parking and facilities for electric vehicle (EV) charging.

It was also reported that HITRANS Regional Transport Partnership is taking forward a study to look at options to provide an improved transport hub in Oban town centre, focusing on the railway station and ferry marshalling area.

Integrated ticketing approaches

The other frequently raised issue was the potential of an improved ticketing system, and in particular a system which would allow people to book and buy a through ticket. There were concerns that the new CalMac ticketing system is not integrated with other service providers, and it was suggested that a review would be beneficial, especially since island communities have raised the disruption and stress associated with booking ferry travel.

Going forward, respondents offered a small number of suggestions as to how ferry users could be encouraged to use public transport, including:

• Learning from the Highlands and Islands, the Go-Hi app has been taken forward by HITRANS and has been live since 2021. This Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform allows travellers in the region to plan, book and pay for their journey across multiple modes, making onward travel easier and more accessible. It was reported that Serco NorthLink currently fully participates in the Go-Hi platform, but CalMac does not.
• Offering a reduced fares option to users of integrated public transport services. It was suggested that providing fare incentives for passengers who use multiple modes of transport can encourage uptake.

Encouraging active travel

There were calls for continued investment in infrastructure to create safe cycling and walking routes, including creating dedicated cycle routes on islands. However, there was a note of caution from one local authority respondent who commented that the challenging fiscal climate has placed considerable pressure on local authority budget, and this is making it increasingly difficult to invest in sustainable transport infrastructure projects.

Other suggested ways of encouraging active travel as part of a ferry user’s overall journey included running public awareness campaigns and educational programmes, providing better facilities for bike storage on ferries, providing cycle rental facilities at ferry terminals and bus services allowing bikes to be transported.