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CLYDE AND HEBRIDES FERRY SERVICES: INVITATION TO TENDER
ANNEX 11
REPRESENTATIONS BY RESPONDENTS
This Annex may be updated following the autumn 2004 consultation.
Tenderers should note that this Annex does not form part of the minimum standard. These are suggestions which have emerged through consultation as issues where users feel improvements might be made. They are not comprehensive or have been the subject of further consultation. Tenderers are free to exceed the minimum standard, for example, through offering lower fares, marketing initiatives over and above the minimum standard and more services. However, in considering whether to provide services above the minimum standard tenderers must have regard to their own commercial interests and the requirement that the contract is awarded to the bidder requiring the lowest financial compensation. 19
Whilst bids proposing additions to the minimum standard would be acceptable any changes to the minimum standard (e.g. changes to timetables) would require to be pursued through the service revision procedure after contract handover and in consultation with users through the mechanisms detailed in the service specification. A bid proposing changes to the minimum standard will not be acceptable and such a bid would be deemed non compliant.
Representations made in relation to fares structures
- 7 day (rather than 5 day) return ticket
- discount for islanders (presumably beyond the current arrangements)
- APEX tickets
- season tickets (quarterly or annual)
- patients should get reduced price travel (currently doctor issues a travel warrant)
- concessions should apply across local authority boundaries
- unaccompanied vehicles to carry a driver charge common to all routes
- coffins and hearses carried free of charge
- cheap day returns on shorter crossings
- young Scot card extended to ferry services/reduce fares for young people
- charge from Islay should be same regardless of which port is used
- freight charges should not be greater than a competing operator would offer on a freight only service
- Argyll & Bute Council - special rates negotiated for transport of waste for recycling should be included
- global approach to concessionary bus fares should be extended to ferry passengers
- boundaries of Western Isles should be extended to mainland sea port so concession fares same on both sides of the Minch
- companion for blind people should be included with blind person concession
- half price travel cards for - people aged over 60, people with disabilities, unemployed, government training schemes, students and young people, charitable groups based on the island, school groups, island residents. Cards to be used on all CalMac routes and connecting bus services.
- cheaper family tickets
- inter island travel should be free for the local population outside the main tourist season
- discounted fares for advance booking
- universal travel pass providing discount on all public transport (incl. ferries) should be considered as part of a national scheme for low income citizens and students
- more use of promotional fares
- concession for people aged over 60 should be included and not rely on local authority provision
- more flexible coach fares
Representations made in relation to services.
- more night freight services to reduce pressure on the first morning sailing
- more separate freight sailings generally to free up car spaces during tourist season.
- more affordable loose freight services throughout the network
- later sailings particularly on Fridays
- more inter-island links
- more stops on services from Oban (e.g. Tobermory)
- more vessels berthing at islands allowing later and earlier sailings to augment the timetables
Representations made in relation to network services
Tenderers may wish to note that representations were made by respondents for improvements in relation to handling and assistance with personal luggage particularly for elderly, and those with young families. Suggestions involved making trolleys available or airline style baggage check-in. These would not form part of the minimum standard, although all reasonable efforts should be made to ensure that the services are accessible to all. For example, where notified in advance the operator would be expected to provide assistance to elderly or disabled people. This is an area where tenderers may be able to bring innovation.
The operator should co-operate with the current practice of reserving contingent space for medical emergencies on long and infrequent crossings - releasing these prior to sailing if not required.
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