Capacity and Demand
A majority of respondents – 84% of those who answered the question – said they had suggestions connected to reducing vehicle space demand. A general point was that increased capacity, rather than managed, and by extension potentially reduced demand, needs to be the focus. There was also a recognition that each community has different needs and an associated view that a one size fits all approach to managing vehicle space would not be advisable.
The most frequently made point, and one most likely to have been made by individual respondents, was that some form of demand-based pricing is required, with a premium paid on higher demand services and/or for larger vehicles. There were also calls for Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) fares to be for residents only.
Although the potential to manage freight traffic at busy times was noted, the more frequently made point was that freight traffic is key to supporting the local economy and that it needs to be given a degree of priority. Other suggestions included providing additional freight only services, possibly sailing overnight or in the early morning, with price incentives to use them.
Respondents tended to make similar points relating to managing tourism traffic as they did regarding freight; the importance of tourism to the local economy of a number of island communities was noted, and again it was suggested that the primary focus needs to be on increased overall capacity, and, in particular, increased capacity during the busiest periods.
A majority of respondents – 68% of those who answered the question – said they would not be willing to travel to and from a port using public transport in order to reduce the number of cars on deck at peak times. A frequently made point was that it would not be possible or practical to use public transport because of the type of journey being made including, for example, the need to transport luggage or shopping. The other frequently referenced barrier was the reach and reliability of existing public transport services.
A majority of respondents – 81% of those who answered the question – said they would not be willing to travel to and from a port using active travel modes in order to reduce the number of cars on deck at peak times. The majority of comments addressed the various barriers, both personal and geographical, that would make active travel an impractical option for many people. Reflecting some of the comments about viability of public transport options for remote locations, some respondents noted the considerable distance they travel to or from the port and noted that walking or cycling would simply not be an option.
A majority of respondents – 88% of those who answered the question – thought Operators should be required to hold dedicated vehicle deck spaces on busy routes for the use of island residents and key worker personnel required to travel at short notice. The most frequently made point was that island residents should be prioritised as ferries represent a lifeline service for them including, for example, when needing to attend hospital appointments.