Published: Wednesday, 26th September, 2007 10:30
SPT bosses admit axe DOES hang over ferry
By Andrea Fraser
Print Article
TRANSPORT bosses have finally admitted that a 500-year-old ferry service could be axed — FOUR MONTHS after it was exclusively revealed by the Post.
Owner Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is carrying out a feasibility study which could see the ferry service from Yoker to Renfrew replaced with a footbridge.
In May SPT said the rumours had no foundation but have now admitted they are weighing up the costs of the replacement.
An SPT spokesman said: “I can confirm there is a proposal before an SPT committee to look at the possibilities of replacing the Renfrew Ferry with a bridge.”
Transport bosses say the cost of keeping two boats on the 200-metre crossing are becoming prohibitive.
They say the ferries have a high “carbon footprint” and that a new bridge would be a “greener” option.
A report before this week’s strategy and programmes committee says replacing the vessels, which carry 150,000 passengers a year, would cost around £2m.
The report adds: “In today’s world of carbon footprint and climate change it is important to note the ferries have a considerable carbon footprint of some 34 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum from the consumption of almost 50,000 litres of diesel per annum.”
SPT want the three month study, which is expected to cost around £60,000, to be part funded by Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire.
In May, a source close to the ferry told the Post the service was set to be withdrawn within three years.
They said: “This service has been running on the Clyde for longer than anyone can remember and it would be terrible if it was removed.
“The staff will lose their jobs if this happens.”
One regular passenger of the ferry said that they were against the plans which all the ferry users had been talking about.
He told the Post: “We rely on the ferry everyday as a quick and easy way to cross the Clyde.
“No one that I have spoken to wants to replace the ferry with a bridge.
“The ferry is an important part of local history and shouldn’t be replaced.”
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