Bus plan sunk as Renfrew-Yoker ferry gets new operator

PLANS for an amphibious bus to replace the Renfrew-Yoker ferry on the River Clyde were sunk yesterday, when a new operator was announced to take over the threatened service.

Transport giant Stagecoach said it was "no longer pursuing" the use of a single-decker for the link, because it depended on slipway improvements being funded by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).

SPT, which is axing the ferry at the end of the month because of mounting losses, has opted instead to appoint Argyll-based Silvers Marine to take over the service.

The Roseneath firm, which will operate the service as Clydelink, will use a vessel a fraction of the size of the current ferries without subsidy, saving SPT up to 500,000 a year.

It won a five-year lease to use the existing slipways from among five bidders. However, crossings will be cut from on-demand to half-hourly outside rush hours, and fares will increase by 25 per cent from 1.20 to 1.50 one-way.

SPT said Silvers planned trials to extend the service shortly if there was demand.

SPT chairman Jonathan Findlay said: "I am delighted the hard work of SPT's officials has paid off and an important passenger service is able to be maintained on the Clyde."

He added: "There was a range of interest from the commercial sector, but we believe Silvers Marine will provide the best service – utilising SPT's slipways – and without any subsidy from the public purse."

Silvers Marine managing director Mark Aikman said: "We would like to assure ferry users we will continue to provide them with a reliable service that will take over the route seamlessly."

Stagecoach said that it had no plans for the bus elsewhere in Scotland.