Issue - meetings

The Forum considered a verbal update from Stewart Wohlgemuth, Port Operations Manager, Calmac.  Further to the actions in the Minute of the previous meeting Mr Wohlgemuth advised that the reason the MV Ali Cat was not used in foggy weather was due to the skippers having more confidence in the MV Argyll Flyer due to the fact that it is faster and easier to manoeuvre in the water at short notice should an issue arise. He advised that the MV Coruisk was currently at Gourock awaiting a part for the lift and it was hoped that it would be back in service later in the month.

Kirsty Reid enquired about the use of cash on Calmac ferries as some people had reported an issue with this on the Bute service.  She was advised that cash could be used and that Calmac were aware of the issue she referred to and that it had been resolved.

Councillor Reid raised the issue of a 16 seater bus being used by West Coast Motors during ferry cancellations when the contract was for a larger vehicle.  He was advised that this had been raised with West Coast Motors.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

The Forum noted the update from Kevin Hobbs, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, on the cyclical maintenance of the Gourock linkspan.

The Forum also considered an update from Tommy Gore, Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac), who advised that the MV Argyll Flyer was back in service and that MV Ali Cat’s departure from dry dock would be delayed until Christmas. The two-vessel service would resume when the Coruisk became available which is intended to be on 15 December 2021. Mr Gore reported that Dunoon Community Council had submitted comments regarding evening sailings and in response to this late sailings would be re-introduced from 19 November 2021. Mr Gore highlighted the recent disruption on the Tarbert/Portavadie route due to the removal of the ferry in order to service Cumbrae, assuring partners that Calmac were conducting an internal review to inform how they remove and re-deploy vessels for any future situations.

Discussion focused on action points raised at August’s meeting and it was confirmed to the Forum that upcoming dates of planned vessel maintenance were now published on Calmac’s website. It was noted that discussions remain ongoing with Scotrail to address ticketing issues and that cash can now be accepted at terminals though card payments are preferred.

In addition the impact of ferry cancellations and reduced services on local residents and businesses was discussed, including the knock on effects on bus services due to cancelled sailings on the Colintraive/Rhubodach route which had resulted in the through bus from Rothesay to Dunoon being unable to complete journeys.

Outcome

The Forum;

1.    noted the updates;

2.    agreed that Tommy Gore would confirm to the Forum the reason why the MV Ali Cat cannot be utilised in foggy weather;

3.    agreed that Tommy Gore would present a progress update on the ticketing system issue to the Forum’s next meeting in February 2022; and

4.    agreed that Tommy Gore would obtain statistics looking at the number of sailings cancelled on the Colintraive/Rhubodach route over the last 10 years and circulate to the Forum.

The Forum considered an update from Stewart Wohlgemuth, Caledonian MacBrayne, who advised that carryings had more than doubled compared to the same period last year due to covid-19 restrictions easing sooner in the year.  He advised that the Gourock linkspan was to be removed for essential works for 9 days from 25 August 2021 and that the Argyll Flyer was scheduled to return to service week commencing 4 October 2021 due the need for certification works.

The Forum noted that during the linkspan works a taxi service via Western Ferries would be provided for disabled travellers and people with prams if required.

Outcome

The Forum;

1.    noted the update;

2.    agreed that the Chair would write to CMAL to request publication of their cyclical maintenance plans;

3.    agreed that Iain Slorach would pursue options to make publically available any upcoming dates of planned vessel maintenance;

4.    agreed that Stewart Wohlgemuth would confirm to the Forum the reason why the MV Ali Cat cannot be utilised in foggy weather;

5.    agreed that Iain Slorach would confirm to the Forum why ticketing for sail and rail had been suspended following his discussion with the Marketing Team;

6.    agreed that Iain Slorach would seek clarification from Transport Scotland and report back to the Forum as to why 10-journey tickets were only available on the boat and why they were no longer issued as plastic cards ; and

7.    agreed that Iain Slorach would confirm to the Forum the position around when cash payments are permitted.

The Forum considered an update from Tommy Gore - Area Operations Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne, in relation to there being only one vessel in service on the Dunoon/Gourock route as MV Argyll Flyer was still in dry dock due to engine issues that were uncovered on sea trials. In terms of service reliability the Forum noted that both the Dunoon/Gourock and the Colintraive/Rhubodach routes had 12 sailings cancelled with 99% and 100% respectively of those sailings running on time and that  the Portavadie/Tarbert service was back to hourly sailings. It was noted that the cancelled sailings figure did not include sailings cancelled due to the MV Argyll Flyer being unavailable.

Discussion was had on the accessibility of the gangway for all users and the Forum noted that CalMac were in the process of procuring a replacement gangway, due to be installed in the near future.

Discussion focused how the replacement bus service on the Dunoon/Gourock route had not been crossing with the ferries though it was understood that once the service was back to normal the shuttle service would be reinstated. Confirmation was sought and received that if the bus does not cross with the ferry, CalMac will reimburse the cost of the ferry ticket to passengers.

Outcome

The Forum;

1.    noted the update;

2.    agreed that Tommy Gore would update the Forum on the situation of the MV Argyll Flyer in dry dock when the position changes;

3.    agreed that Tommy Gore would circulate service reliability data for the Portavadie/Tarbert route to the Forum and would include the figures in future updates at the Forum’s meetings;

4.    agreed that Tommy Gore would update the Forum on the position of the reinstated bus shuttle service on the Dunoon/Gourock route; and

5.    noted that Tommy Gore would ensure that the positon regarding reimbursement of the cost of ferry tickets to passengers who used the bus shuttle service on the Dunoon/Gourock route would be communicated clearly to all customers.

The Forum noted the update from Tommy Gore - Area Operations Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne, in relation to the deployment of MV Coruisk on the Gourock/Dunoon route.

Stewart Wohlgemuth – Port Manager further informed the Forum that punctuality on Cowal routes had been similar during November 2020 and December 2020 at around 89% - 91% and carryings were down 86% from the same period the previous year. Mr Wohlgemuth added that the Gourock Linkspan works were progressing and that it was anticipated it would be back in operation by 22 February 2021.

Discussion focussed on the dates for the re-engineering of the ferries and the potential loss of a boat for a lengthy part of the summer timetable should the works be pushed beyond the current winter timetable. Concern was expressed over the lack of timelines available which does not allow planning for the easing of restrictions and by association encouraging people to come back to Dunoon and the surrounding area.

Stewart confirmed that vessel and terminal staff are questioning customers at point of ticket sale about the nature of their travel during lockdown and are making travellers aware of the restrictions rather than enforcement.

Outcome

The Forum;

1.    noted the positon; and

2.    agreed that Calmac Asset Management Team would look at providing fixed dates for a plan for the Ali Cat and Flyer and once confirmed circulate to the Forum.

The Forum noted that sailings were back to a two vessel timetable which would be continued into the winter period with an amended timetable in place to accommodate the Gourock linkspan works where works were progressing well with completion on schedule for mid-December.

The Forum also noted that passenger carries were down to 54% for September on the Dunoon/Gourock route but 99% of sailings were on time and 88 sailings cancelled due to adverse weather.  In respect of the Colintraive/Rhubodach route there has been no cancelled sailings but there was a big dip in carryings.

Calmac representatives confirmed that the late night sailings on a Friday and Saturday would be resumed once the opening time restrictions on licensed premises had been lifted.

Discussion focused on the deployment of the Coruisk. She is currently deployed on the Rothesay-Wemyss Bay service, but will be available for the Dunoon-Gourock service once the Gourock linkspan works are completed. When either the Ali Cat or the Argyll Flyer are in dry dock during the January-March period, the Coruisk will be deployed to cover the sailings normally operated by the Ali Cat and the vessel which is not in dry dock will be deployed to cover the sailings normally operated by the Argyll Flyer.

Outcome

The Forum;

1.    noted the positon; and

2.    agreed that Calmac would notify the Forum as soon as the linkspan works are completed.

The Forum were invited to consider an update from the Ferries Policy Officer on behalf of the Chief Executive of Transport Scotland, Roy Brannen, in regards to the Claonaig – Lochranza and Tarbert – Portavadie winter services.

The Forum noted that passenger carries were down over the past four and a half months due to covid-19 restrictions, technical issues and weather but uptake was up in August due to restrictions being lifted.

In respect of the proposals to small changes in timetables on the Tarbert/Portavadie route it was confirmed that there was still work to be done in terms of ensuring any changes feed in with bus timetables.

Discussion focused on when late night sailings at weekends on the Colintraive and Dunoon/Gourock route would be reinstated noting the importance of late night timetables to businesses. The Transport Integration Manager, Calmac, stated that late night timetables had been in operation since 13 August 2020 for Colintraive and that they were reviewing the winter timetables whilst working with Transport Scotland and aim to have a normal timetable in place soon whilst being mindful of social distancing and keeping everyone safe using enhanced protocols.

Outcome

The Forum noted the positon.

The Forum discussed the submission to Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) asking for consideration to be given to making more use of the Coruisk ferry during the winter.

In addition Tommy Gore, Area Operations Manager – CalMac provided the below figures:

Gourock to Dunoon Route

January figures indicated 13.6% fewer foot passengers which was reflected in all routes due to weather conditions. 

Contractual Reliability was 99.63% and Actual Reliability was 82.12%

Colintraive/Rhubodach Route

Discussion focussed on the small reduction in Actual Reliability, by half a percent which was still well above other routes on the Clyde in terms of service levels and that Contractual Reliability (technical and operational reasons for disruptions) had improved.

In relation to the Tarbert/Portavadie route the Forum noted a downturn in vehicle figures of 11.6% and passenger figures by 14.77%.  Contractual performance was 92.06% and actual reliability was 78.04%.  The Forum also noted that the Timetable Team had advised that there seems uncertainty about the change for the Winter timetable from stakeholders and hauliers so they are holding off on this decision for now until they get a clearer view. Calmac are happy to start pushing it through various channels (e.g. social media) as well as local comms, however at the moment a lot of their output is Covid-19 related so they are reducing the amount of marketing content given the uncertainty that there is at the moment. They have not had any feedback from West Coast Motors regarding their Summer 2020 timetable yet, and are still awaiting this from the local Operations Manager in Dunoon.

Discussion focused on how safety is always at the front of the decision making process when there is a decision as to whether to sail or not due to adverse weather conditions and that skippers make the ultimate decision; the age of vessels and refurbishment plans; the vessels in Holy Loch and their use as reserve vessels; and how when the Colintraive to Rhubodach ferry service is often cancelled the bus service is also cancelled.  The Forum noted how this has wider implications as this service includes the school run.

Outcome

The Forum:

1.    noted the submission to Calmac regarding the use of the Coruisk during winter and that no final decision had been reached;

2.    agreed to write to Transport Scotland in support of the request by the Arran Ferry Committee for the Claonig-Lochranza ferry to be operational all year round, which would free up the Portavadie-Tarbert vessel to operate for the whole day on the winter timetable;

3.    agreed to write to the Council to look at the possibility of having a provision in the bus service contract to ensure that the 479 service between Dunoon and Colintraive continues to operate should the Colintraive to Rhubodach ferry be cancelled; and

4.    agreed to write to the Traffic Commissioner to ask if she can do anything to ensure that West Coast Motors operate the 479 service between Dunoon and Colintraive should the Colintraive to Rhubodach ferry be cancelled.

 (Reference: Submission to Caledonian MacBrayne dated 9 December 2019, submitted)

The Forum were invited to consider the submitted update by Simon Richmond, Calmac, in response to the issues raised at their last meeting which included historic carrying figures; arrangements for replacement bus service and details of the contact within the organisation regarding timetable changes.

Mr Richmond then spoke about the drop in passenger figures for Cowal Games, down 15% on previous years, and that there was currently no third vessel available for the route on Games Saturday with the Clyde Clipper in the process of being sold.  With the lower figures there was no desperate need for the third boat.  He also advised that the Argyll Flyer had recently been in the dry dock and during that spell the Calmac colours had been completed on the vessel, the Ali Cat would be in the dry dock at the end of October for similar treatment.

The Forum then discussed the oil leak at Gourock Linkspan that had caused recent problems and had taken over 2 weeks for replacement parts to be fitted and Scott MacLean, Calmac, spoke regarding a trial of bodycams for crew on the basis of passenger disruption which was unfair on staff.  This behaviour generally occurred on the late sailings.  Chief Inspector Wilson encouraged Calmac to report any incidences directly to Police Scotland by use of 101 for non-emergency incidents and 999 for emergency situations.

The final point discussed was in relation to the upcoming consultation on the new timetable for Winter 2020.  With the need for responses prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Forum discussion took place on suggestions from the members.  The Forum rejected any suggestion of withdrawing the late night sailings.  Michael  Breslin, South Cowal Community Council, made reference to the use of the Coruisk on a 20 past the hour service from Gourock and at 10 to the hour departing from Dunoon using the window of opportunity for the 2 passenger ferries to undergo refits.  It was noted this may not be possible due to the fact that dry dock timing is dictated but was worthwhile submitting.  It was also suggested that the Coruisk should be requested for an all-day service, with Ian Slorach, Calmac, advising that this would require funding for an additional crew from Transport Scotland.

Outcome

The Forum:

1.    Noted the update provided;

2.    Agreed to express concerns to CMAL regarding the lack of parts available/in storage for repairs such as those required at Gourock;

3.    Agreed to oppose any reduction in late night sailings and make representations regarding the use of the Coruisk during Winter 2020 when Calmac formally consult on the timetable;

4.    Thanked Simon Richmond for his contribution to the Forum and wished him well for his retirement; and

5.    Noted that the contact details for the new Area Operations Manager would be sent to Melissa Stewart, Area Governance Officer, to facilitate attendance at future meetings.

(Ref:  Update and historic passenger figures from Calmac, submitted and Cowal August Dashboard Figures, tabled)

Simon Richmond reported that over the winter period passenger numbers were down but had improved along with the better weather, adding that in general passenger numbers were up on the same period last year.  Mr Richmond acknowledged that there had been cancellations over that period, adding that the weather related ones were determined by the Masters and were solely down to ensuring the health and safety of passengers

It was reported that the MV Argyll Flyer had been rebranded and that the MV Ali Cat would undergo a similar process in October. Mr Richmond confirmed that there were no immediate plans to replace the existing vessels but that work was planned to replace mechanisms within the engines.

There had been an increase in violence and aggression directed towards Caledonian MacBrayne staff. Sergeant Watt responded that Police Scotland would happily work with Caledonian MacBrayne to respond to this.

Concerns were raised that the Road Equivalent Tariff had resulted in higher fares on the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service compared to the longer Wemyss Bay to Bute service and that consideration must be given to readdressing this inconsistency.

Outcome

1.         It was requested that Caledonian MacBrayne investigate whether it would be possible to use historical data to determine passenger usage over a longer period, rather than over a period of 12 months.

2.         Caledonian MacBrayne to confirm that all cancelled sailings when Western Ferries are operating are covered by the replacement bus service.

3.         That the Chair contact Transport Scotland and highlight the concerns raised regarding the pricing structure of tickets for the Gourock to Dunoon ferry service.

That the Chair contact the Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee and request that the pricing structure of Gourock to Dunoon ferry service be discussed at the next Area Committee.

·         Dunoon – Gourock

·         Tarbert – Portavadie – Proposed Changes to Winter Timetable

·         Colintraive - Colintraive-Rhubodach

Simon Richmond, Caledonian MacBrayne submitted apologies for the meeting and therefore provided the following written update:

1. Vessels

M.V. Coruisk will continue on the Gourock - Dunoon Service until Saturday 23rd March. Following which she will be undertaking essential maintenance at Gourock prior to returning to the Mull - Craigure Service - During this time she will be unable to be used in service.

•  M.V. Argyll Flyer dry dock will take place in May 2019 during which time a single vessel service will operate.

2. Dunoon

Argyll and Bute have announced that work to improve the ferry passenger experience at Dunoon Breakwater will begin on Monday 11^thMarch. The work will improve safety and provide facilities more suited to a passenger-only service, while any disruption will be kept to a minimum. The first stage of the work will see the toilets and waiting area relocated, which will be undertaken over the course of the week and require those facilities to be closed in that time. Temporary toilet facilities will be provided for the duration of the works and the ferry schedule will not be affected. Shelter for waiting passengers will be available at the existing shelter at the Breakwater and at the existing bus shelters. Works are due for completion by Friday 15th, with the waiting room expected to be operational mid-week. 

3. New CHFS 2 Contract

Signage

CalMac have been working closely with an external contractor to develop new way finding signage at both Gourock and Dunoon ports. The signage should be installed within the coming months.

Uniform

All crew onboard MV Ali Cat and MV Argyll Flyer have now received their CalMac branded uniform and can now be visible wearing these. 

Waiting Room Refresh

CalMac have received confirmation from CMAL to proceed with refreshing the waiting area at Gourock. CalMac have appointed a contractor to undertake the works which will be completed by the end of March.

Vessel Rebranding

CalMac are currently developing plans to rebrand both MV Ali Cat and MV Argyll Flyer. Once these have been agreed internally, CalMac will share these images with the public to advise what the vessels will look like. Both vessels will be rebranding during their scheduled annual overhaul i.e.

• MV Argyll Flyer - May 2019
• MV Ali Cat - November 2019

Website

CalMac have now included all information regarding the Gourock - Dunoon route on the CalMac website. CalMac are advising all customers to use the CalMac website for information on this service. We are also reviewing the activity on the AFL webpage ensuring this is decreasing before shutting this website down.

A statistical update was also tabled at the meeting.

The Chair updated the Committee on arrangements that are now in place

for Elected Members to visit the Scottish Parliament for a meeting with the

Minister for Transport and Connectivity on the 12th March 2019 to discuss

the future of the Dunoon-Gourock ferry service.

Outcome

1. The Forum requested clarification on why the Dunoon to Gourock service is cancelled in order to facilitate the Rothesay to Wemyss Bay service when it is diverted to Gourock.

2.  The Forum agreed to formally oppose the proposed changes to the Portavadie timetable, noting that the cuts would mean an hour delay in getting home by school children who currently use the service and in light of the figures produced by Calmac which indicate the service is growing in usage.  This ferry service is also used by people from the Isle of Bute travelling by public transport to and from the Mid Argyll Hospital.  It was also suggested that there can be 2 or 3 vessels sidelined during the winter and perhaps those could be deployed rather than cancelling sailings.