Renfrew-Yoker ferry to change hands

A NEW operator for the Renfrew-Yoker ferry in Glasgow is expected to be chosen today to replace the current service when it is axed at the end of the month.

Silvers Marine and Clyde River Taxis have been shortlisted by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to take over its cross-Clyde link which has suffered heavy losses.

Silvers, based at Roseneath in Argyll, has already conducted trials using two sizes of vessel.

The passenger ferry annually carries some 140,000 people across the 200-yard wide river, but loses 430,000 a year. Passenger numbers have dwindled to fewer than ten per trip.

Chairman Jonathan Findlay said: "I would hope a new service utilising SPT slipways and pontoons could be in place soon."