An alternative timetable for the Kilcreggan ferry has been requested, with significant changes expected to come into effect within weeks.
A timetable taking effect from June 2 will see the number of daily crossings between Kilcreggan and Gourock reduced again.
Most departures will leave Kilcreggan every hour and Gourock every half hour, while the last connecting train will leave Glasgow at 5.19pm, eight minutes earlier than currently.
Tom Walker of the Save Kilcreggan Pier campaign has proposed adjustments which would see the 8am departure from Kilcreggan brought forward to 7.40am, so it connects with an express train which arrives in Glasgow at 8.44am.
CalMac’s proposed 8am departure would see commuters arrive in Glasgow at 9.07am.
And Mr Walker points out that a 5.36pm train from Glasgow would connect with a 6.30pm departure, providing greater flexibility for commuters.
“The future of the pier and our regular ferry service to Gourock depends on passenger numbers – perhaps even the future of the village,” Mr Walker said.
“The number of daily services has been reduced by stealth over the years, while the Sunday and Helensburgh crossings are long gone.
“Passengers will use a service if it meets connections to Glasgow or Dunoon. A community is sustainable if it has useful transport links and if ferry timetables are potentially essential to this.
“The new timetable matches the slow train speed to Glasgow, meaning that for those traveling to Glasgow there are very early departures and long waits either between connections or before work begins.
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“A schedule allowing base workers to take the bus would free up valuable parking spaces – although their numbers are difficult to quantify – and allow those who leave the peninsula to work in the city, to spend more time with their family or loved ones and a shorter travel time. overall travel time.
A CalMac spokeswoman said: “As part of the summer 2024 timetable consultations, the Kilcreggan timetable has been revised to November 2023 in line with upcoming changes to the Scotrail timetable. This was to ensure that onward transport links were maintained as best as possible alongside the reduction in the number of train services between Gourock and Glasgow from June.
“CalMac shared two options with the community in late November and received feedback on their preferred option, with some additional suggestions. Taking this into account, we were able to implement some of the changes and share the final version with the community in January.
“The consultation for the summer period has now ended and we can no longer envisage further changes to the calendar.
“We are more than happy to accommodate any requests for future timetables as part of our half-yearly process following the introduction of the new timetable.”
Mr Walker’s proposed timetable is here: Kilcreggan ferry alternative timetable
The current schedule is here:
And the CalMac schedule starting June 2 is here:
