CalMac has revealed its ambitious plans to transform west coast ferry services in its new contract.
The company, which was announced as the successful bidder for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services tender in May, has just signed the eight year contract with Transport Scotland following the finalisation of legal agreements.
Managing director, Martin Dorchester, said that CalMac’s winning bid was rooted in ambitious plans to drive improvements which will transform the experience of ferry travellers, exemplify customer focus, and show the company’s determination to make a positive difference to the communities.
He said: “The new contract marks the start of a new era in ferry services on the west coast which we are delighted to be introducing. The last nine years have seen significant improvements to ferry services and we look forward to building on this work by taking our services, and the benefits they offer to our customers and the communities we serve, up to a new level.
“Our bid was based on key themes including retaining safety at the heart of our operation, a sustainable long term reduction in subsidy through improving operational efficiency and revenue growth, and enhancing our service to offer even higher levels of customer satisfaction and community engagement.
“We recognise the importance of ferry services in developing sustainable communities, driving economic growth and enabling island and rural companies to do business with the rest of the world. We also have an enduring commitment to improving environmental sustainability and are a socially responsible employer which values and invests in our staff. We are proud to be a living wage employer and have signed up to the Scottish Governments Business pledge.”
Planned innovations include maximizing opportunities for local companies, supporting them to tender for contracts.
An investment of £6million will be made in on-board and port and passenger area improvements including signage, a standard look and feel to customer sitting and waiting areas, upgraded restaurant counters and retail outlets, piloting an “at seat” drinks trolley service, and digital information screens.
A Director of Community and Stakeholder Engagement will be appointed and a communities board created to involve communities in strategic matters.
There will be an innovative approach to smart and integrated ticketing.
They will continue to invest in apprenticeships and partner with with local maritime training organisations to further to develop the workforce and a strong maritime training economy.
