Integration of services

Issue

Encouraging island respondents to use public transport or active travel as part of their overall journey when using the ferry services was seen by some as simply not being a realistic option in their situation, due to lack of infrastructure and/or unsuitable weather. However, others pointed to more realistic options to improve usage of public transport and active travel. Benefits to islands economies from growing sustainable and ecotourism were recognised amongst the respondents. Growth of aviation services, offering lower-cost and more frequent flights connecting islands to the Scottish mainland is one way to ensure cars are to be left at home for visitors.

Response

The final Strategic Approach will clarify that Transport Scotland’s approach to car use reduction, an overall national ambition, is inclusive and flexible and there is not a requirement for all individuals to reduce their car use at the same rate or in the same way. Through the ICP Onward & Connecting Travel workstream, we will continue to promote integrated journeys, noting a wide range of suggestions from consultation respondents including: improved air services (in terms of connectivity, affordability and integration with other modes), increased support for rural and on-island bus services, increasing availability of demand responsive transport services on islands and introducing Car Clubs at ferry terminals. We will work with and invite the valuable insight of tourism organisations, local businesses and members of the community to help come up with informative, innovative and affordable solutions.

CalMac’s Enhancement and Change Plan includes a commitment to developing formal partnerships with ScotRail other transport operators to enhance service integration and improve connectivity between different transport modes. Transport Scotland will be collaborating with CalMac to put in place a transport forum for addressing timetable conflicts.