Why privatise ferry routes?

The Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) have always been in the public sector, but now the Scottish Government’s decision to re-tender for a new eight year contract opens the way to privatisation. In 2012 the Scottish Government awarded a six year Northern Isles contract worth £1billion to private operator Serco, and it looks as though our own ferry services will go the same way. A shortlist of bidders will be asked to submit tenders in June, with the successful bidder likely to be announced in May next year.

Katy Clark MP said, ‘Should privatisation go ahead I am concerned we will see above inflation fare increases and less reliable services, as has been the case on the Northern Isle routes since they were privatised in 2012. There has also been a decline in industrial relations on these routes with decreased staffing levels and attempted attacks on pension rights. I am calling on the Scottish Government to think again, to cancel this unnecessary exercise and to keep our ferries in the public sector.’