CalMac Unveils Timetable Improvements

Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) today (September 21, 2009) announced that it is making a further 22 changes to the Clyde and Hebrides ferry timetables.

CalMac Ferries consulted widely with the local communities and received the go-ahead from the Scottish Government to make the changes.

The changes to the winter timetable will come into effect on Sunday 25th October 2009 and are now available to book on-line. The summer sailings will be available to book later in the year.

The timetable changes, which include the introduction of a number of additional sailings on some routes, are largely aimed at improving connectivity and better integration with bus and rail services.

Phil Preston, Managing Director of CalMac, said:

“We have succeeded in introducing 22 changes that we put to Government and most of the planned changes proposed are being undertaken as a result of direct requests from the communities we serve. I believe this amply demonstrates our desire to do what we can to provide the best service possible.”

Welcoming the timetable improvements Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

“These are welcome changes, which reflect the Government’s commitment to improving ferry services to our remote and island communities. Ferry services are a vital lifeline to the communities they serve, especially in these challenging economic times, and through the Scottish Ferries Review we’re looking at what further enhancements can be made to improve services across the network.