McArthur hits out at above inflation ferry fare rise

Responding to the news that ferry fares across Scotland will increase by 10% from next year, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said:

"This fare hike will come as a serious blow to households and businesses in Orkney who rely on these lifeline services and who continue to struggle with cost of living pressures.

“When the Scottish Government 'froze' fares last year, Ministers congratulated themselves for having protected island communities. At no time did they suggest that their generosity would be clawed back in future years through an inflation-busting increase.

“People in Orkney will rightly be suspicious of future 'gifts' from ministers who appear to be happy to give with one hand, and take away with the other.

“On ferry routes which still don’t enjoy the benefits of Road Equivalent Tariff, these further cost increases just add salt to the wound for people in Orkney”.

ENDS