WEST coast ferry operator CalMac is to stop taking cash on its boats and in ports in response to concerns around coronavirus.
The World Health Organisation has advised against cash handling, and so CalMac will stop taking cash payments from Saturday, March 28.
Travellers – who have been told should only be making essential journeys on the ferries in line with Government guidelines – can either pay by card, or Apple Pay or Google Pay on phones where accepted.
Managing director Robbie Drummond said: “We have introduced this measure in response to concerns raised by our staff and passengers. We are asking customers, who still require to use our ferries for essential travel, to ensure they have a valid debit or credit card with them as we will no longer handle cash. This is in line with most other organisations who have also stopped taking cash.”
CalMac has also announced that under the circumstances, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has relaxed strict rules on passengers remaining in their cars for crossings from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay and across the Sound of Harris.
Those travelling in cars are not usually permitted to stay in vehicles or remain on the car deck for health and safety reasons.
But the measures have been reconsidered in light of medical advice to isolate where possible.
“There has been some demand from passengers wishing to remain isolated in their cars while travelling with us. This change allows us to open up two more routes to this option of travel,” said director of operations, Robert Morrison.
It comes as the ferry operator begins running a revised schedule in light of the travel warnings set out in a bid to tackle the ongoing pandemic.
The “Essential Lifeline Timetable” launched yesterday is expected to last for at least the next three weeks, ensuring that all islands can get access to vital goods and services.
It replaces the annual switch-over from the operator’s winter schedule to its summer timetables, as passengers on all services dropped by 85%. A reported 8000 bookings have been cancelled so far, compared to 300 in the same time period last year.
The new revised timetable will see the amount of weekly sailings drop by about 61%.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel