5 September 2008
Ferry service's future secured
SPT members have agreed to retain the Renfrew - Yoker ferry service and have made a commitment to investing in a new vessel.
The decision was based on findings from a recent study which looked at how best to maintain the transport link.
Last September, SPT part-funded a study with Scottish Enterprise (Renfrewshire) to consider options to improve both the customer experience and the cost effectiveness of the service.
Social, transport, economic and environmental issues were all taken into account.
The options being considered were to build an opening pedestrian bridge between Renfrew and Yoker at the site of the existing ferry or continue with a ferry service.
The ferries, which are 24 years old, will need to be replaced in the near future and because of their age they have become increasingly costly and difficult to maintain.
The study found that construction of an opening footbridge was technically feasible but the capital cost of construction was estimated at between £11m and £15m with annual operating and maintenance costs estimated at £130,000.
A ferry service has operated between Renfrew on the south bank of the Clyde and Yoker on the north for more than 500 years and SPT believes that the ancient link should be preserved.
Gordon MacLennan, SPT Assistant Chief Executive, said the Partnership was committed to investing in the area's transport needs in a cost effective and environmentally friendly way.
He said: "Given that the current boats require to be replaced, we needed to look at the best solution for the travelling public.
"We have ruled out the option of a footbridge as a link between Renfrew and Yoker due to the high capital and operating costs.
"Continuing the historic service with a new ferry was definitely the most appropriate option."
SPT will now examine detailed proposals for buying a new compact vessel with improved reliability to replace the two currently in service.
A new vessel for the route, plus necessary adaptations to the landing ramps on both sides, will incur capital spend of up to £1m and an annual subsidy in the region of £400,000 per year.
The annual patronage for the Renfrew – Yoker Ferry Service was 149,504 in 2007/08.