In parliamentary debates today and yesterday Scottish Greens Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess highlighted the need for improvements to Scotland’s ferry services, including better integration with other transport networks, improving affordability and greening vessels so they are fit for the future.
She also made calls for free ferry transport for young people in addition to the free bus travel for under 22’s which the Scottish Greens in their agreement with the Scottish Government delivered earlier this year.
Speaking in the debates, Ariane Burgess MSP said:
“With Scotrail now in public ownership thanks to the Scottish Government and the Greens, this paves the way for the publicly-owned CalMac to consider new, exciting ways of collaborating and integrating with the rail network.
“We should build on the bold new policy of free bus travel for under 22s, secured by the Scottish Greens, and offer free ferries for young people as well.
“Public ownership of ferry services, especially when supported by publicly operated rail and bus networks have the potential to reverse rural depopulation trends, revitalise communities and make islands more accessible for those who walk, wheel and cycle.”
