The RET question

Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) means that vehicles and foot passengers on the ferry pay no more than they would if Arran was connected to the mainland by a road. Should it be adopted on Arran, it would of course mean a substantial drop in ferry ticket prices, but there are other considerations, as follows:

  • More crowded ferry

If ferry tickets drop to a cheap price, this will obviously attract more visitors to Arran. This in turn may mean that islanders find it harder to book their cars onto the ferry, and may result in occasions when the boat cannot take all the drivers and passengers wanting to use it.

  • More crowded roads

Arran’s roads, as we all know, were not built for heavy traffic. Larger numbers of vehicles resulting from RET will increase road wear and require more repairs than are done at present. This will be an additional expense for NAC to consider.

  • Need for an additional ferry

It may be that the introduction of RET will increase demand on the Brodick-Ardrossan route to a point where the existing ferry cannot cope with it, and a new vessel will be needed. Many people have long felt that Arran should have two slightly smaller ferries, more easily able to negotiate the narrow entry to Ardrossan Harbour, rather than the present large single boat, so the additional need may add weight to an already pressing case. However, it is a major question to be considered by CalMac.

  • Management of increased tourism

There is an ongoing debate about how much tourism Arran can support. Those connected with the industry obviously welcome an increase, particularly in the current economic downturn, but there remain concerns that the island must retain the peace and tranquillity that are its chief attraction. Some people doubt whether there are enough bed spaces and refreshment facilities to cope with a big increase in tourist numbers, while others feel that business will always respond to need, and any shortfall will quickly be filled.

  • What sort of future for Arran?

The question of whether or not we assent to RET will affect the future of Arran. A far cheaper, heavily subsidised fare structure will undoubtedly attract more people to the island and of course provide islanders with cheaper transport, but it will force us to make radical decisions. Conservationists may feel that a big increase in the human population will increase pressure on the natural landscape and make the island busier, noisier and more urban. Those who depend on tourism in order to make a living will welcome an expansion of business. The many island dwellers who belong to neither of these groups will retain their love of Arran for its beauty and its lively, close community, and may fear that these basic qualities may be adversely affected.

  • What do you think?

The Arran Community Council would like to know what you think about RET. Please go to the “Contact Us” page on www.arrancommunitycouncil.org.uk and add your opinion on the easy-to-use response box. Or send your views to Voice for Arran if you would like to air them in public and get a debate going, or e-mail us on info@voiceforarran.com