Reliability and resilience

A substantial majority of respondents – 88% of those answering the question – agreed that the first priority of the ICP should be to improve reliability and increase the resilience of ferry services.

Many respondents and event participants gave examples of how unreliable services can, or have, impacted on their lives, with reports of people having difficulties in attending medical appointments, social and family events, education sessions and business appointments. As well as the impact on the day-to-day life of people living on the islands, it was also noted that periods of disruption have created problems for hauliers and have also had a significant impact on tourism to a number of islands, with a lack of resilience, reliability and capacity not only depriving island economies of visitor spending but also causing reputational damage. Respondents also highlighted a number of major development projects planned and noted that these will require a reliable freight service.

Although sometimes agreeing with the importance of reliability and resilience, some respondents did point to other changes or improvements that could help increase transport-related resilience overall. This included looking to new or improved fixed links, including tunnels, as well as opportunities for improving air services.

In terms of other priorities that may be as or more important than reliability and resilience, respondents were most likely to refer to increasing capacity.

Other suggestions included that the quality of the customer service, accountability, sustainable and integrated travel, or environmental sustainability are as or more important than reliability and resilience.