Step 5: Gap analysis

This step draws together Steps 1-3 (which consider how ferry services are supplied, used and perform) with Step 4 (which sets out community needs). The objective here is to determine whether there is a misalignment between the needs of the community and the ferry service(s) provided – i.e., a ‘gap’. All routes serving an island should be considered in the CNA. Indeed, in cases where there are dependencies or complementarities between routes, there would be value in undertaking a mini-network based CNA rather than analysing a given island in isolation. It is again important to emphasise that this cannot be a formulaic exercise but should be based on the specific needs of each community and the transport problems that they face – this is consistent with the STAG guidance. 

Given the significant variation in the scale and uses of different routes across the Scottish ferry networks, the identification of problems (or ‘gaps’) at the route level requires a systematic approach which:

  • Considers each element of the service / connectivity to ensure that all relevant ‘gaps’ have been identified.
  • In order to provide a focus for future option generation, undertakes a predominantly qualitative assessment of the relative magnitude of each problem (as evidenced by the data and any consultation that has been undertaken – i.e., the outputs from Step 4).

The following assessment scale will be used when identifying the extent of the problem / ‘gap’:

  • Neutral
  • Minor problem / gap
  • Moderate problem / gap
  • Major problem / gap

This step is predominantly focused on the service rather than infrastructure and operational issues, although the service is obviously defined by these factors to some degree. Using the outputs from Steps 1-4, the gap analysis should focus on three service components - connectivity, capacity and performance. For each of these ‘components’ several sub-components are defined and should be assessed individually to complete the gap analysis:

  • Connectivity:
    • Number of operating days.
    • Length of operating day, including first and last sailing.
    • Variation in timetable by day, week and / or season.
    • Convenience of timetable (for e.g., day-trips, travelling at anti-social hours etc).
    • Onward public transport connections.
  • Capacity:
    • Passenger (where appropriate).
    • Vehicle deck.
    • Sleeping accommodation (where appropriate).
  • Performance:

Having undertaken this analysis:

  • Where one or more ‘gaps’ are identified (e.g., poor reliability, lack of capacity etc or indeed over-provision of services etc). these should be identified and progressed to Step 6.
  • Where no evidenced ‘gaps’ are identified, no further action is required at this stage – the route would thereafter be considered as part of the wider monitoring of network performance.