Comhairle Welcomes Call for Free Ferry Travel for U19s

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed the call from the CalMac Community Board for Scottish Ministers to extend moves to introduce free bus travel for under 19s to ferry travel.

Cllr Uisdean Robertson, Chairman of Transportation and Infrastructure, said: “This would be a very welcome move which would ensure that Island under 19s are not discriminated against in travel. Ferries are the equivalent of buses on the mainland and it would be only right that Island young people have the same travel opportunities as their counterparts on the mainland. It would be in line with Island Proofing which aims to ensure Island communities are not adversely impacted by legislation.

“It would also assist in retaining young people in the Islands if they can travel more easily to sporting and cultural events on the mainland. Free travel for Under 19s would enable more regular competition in sporting contests in particular which has been a long term aspiration for Island sports groups.

“Such a move is also consistent with the new National Transport Strategy’s aspirations, one of which is to promote equality and provide an inclusive, accessible and equitable transport system for all.”