Onward and Connecting Travel

The consultation paper noted that looking at how onward and connecting travel can be promoted will enable the provision of opportunities for better connectivity and ferry user access via active travel, public transport, and other more sustainable transport modes.

Around 370 respondents answered Question 14.

Improved connectivity

The most frequently made point, again reflecting issues raised at earlier questions, was the need for a joined-up, integrated transport system. There was also a call for a coordinated and subsidised public transport strategy led by the Scottish Government.

Further points included that there is a need for better co-ordination and linking up of the timetables for different modes of transport, and that CalMac should make public transport connections a far higher priority. Other comments relating to connectivity included that:

• On many islands, the majority of bus services are operated on behalf of, and funded by, public bodies, with many designed around connectivity with ferry services to/from the islands. However, there also must be consideration for on-island communities who will potentially be using buses for reasons other than onward travel by ferry.
• There is some evidence of greater flexibility being offered as regards connectivity at ports where long-distance bus services meet ferry routes, with Ullapool, Kennacraig and Uig cited as examples, and examination of this could be a template for greater connectivity elsewhere.
• Relaxation of rules surrounding punctuality could assist; for example, a train could be reasonably delayed in order to meet a ferry without penalties for late operation being imposed.

Associated with improved connectivity were calls for multi-mode tickets, such as ‘Rail and Sail’, with seamless ticket purchasing available. It was also suggested that Rail and Sail ticketing should be a condition of any contract award under CHFS3.

Although most comments focused on bus and rail travel, it was noted that air connectivity is also very important for Na h-Eileanan an Iar; the point in common was that timetabling could be improved to integrate with ferry services.

Improved communication and joint-working

Another frequently made suggestion was that there is a need for improved communication and joint working between different transport organisations and companies. It was noted that the CHFS and the ScotRail Franchise are funded from the same source so it should potentially be feasible for the timetables on connecting rail to ferry services to be co-ordinated (as called for above). However, the Transport Partnership respondent raising this issue also noted the wider network demands across both their operational environments.

The setting up of an integrated transport group to discuss timetable changes, constraints and operational requirements was also suggested, as was involving Ferry User Groups.

In terms of the travelling public, it was suggested that when changes to timetables are unavoidable, clear and effective communication by operators is important to minimise disruption to connectivity. For example, a Voluntary sector organisation respondent reported that the rerouting of the Arran ferry to Troon in early 2024 was perceived to have resulted in chaos as there was poor information provided on what the changes meant for public transport connections, resulting in many people being stranded. A specific suggestion was that it should be a condition of the contract that the Operator provides timeous notification of its timetable and fares for inclusion in the national journey planner.

Other suggestions for improvement

In addition to general calls to improve both bus and rail services, including in terms of capacity, frequency and reliability, other suggestions included:

• Participation in the Mobility as a Service platforms supported by Scottish Government should be a condition of any CHFS3 contract award.
• Introducing bus services, along the lines of airport services, that run from ports to train stations or the local town centre.
• The availability of bike and e-bike hire at ferry terminals would allow more active journeys to and from the ferry terminal.
• Car Club vehicles located at ferry terminals would encourage more people to travel without their car.

It was also noted that the use of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles may be a feature in transport systems before the end of the CHFS3 contract period.

There were also calls to look at the range of practical changes that could make public transport more accessible and appealing, such as placing bus stops as near to the ferry terminal as possible and creating connecting walkways between the access points for different modes of transport.