MEMBERS of the public reported being unable to book journeys on CalMac ferries as the company’s new online ticketing platform launched on Wednesday morning.
CalMac transferred all existing bookings onto the new system, which was first planned a decade ago with delays pushing it further back the last few months.
It is understood passengers have received an error message on the website saying their password has expired and to re-register but haven’t received any email to enter their details.
Those trying to book took to social media to complain hours after the new system went live.
A spokesperson for CalMac said bookings were going through and that they were dealing with individual issues as they arose.
Calmac posted on their social media: “We are aware of intermittent issues with logging into an online account, and our teams are currently working to resolve this as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can make a booking online as a guest, and once the issue is fixed, your booking will show in your account.”
ℹ️ We are aware of intermittent issues with logging into an online account, and our teams are currently working to resolve this as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can make a booking online as a guest, and once the issue is fixed, your booking will show in your account pic.twitter.com/9Tj3AMjwhv
— CalMac Service Info (@CalMac_Updates) May 17, 2023
Meanwhile, ScotRail said on Tuesday that CalMac has withdrawn from some of the joint ticketing products it offered along with the rail operator.
As of April 25, CalMac no longer accepts such tickets for ferry travel, which impacts on the following ScotRail products:
- • All CalMac Rail & Sail tickets
- • Spirit of Scotland
- • Scottish Grand Tour
- • Highland Rover
Claire Dickie, ScotRail's head of retail, said: “We are committed to providing the best possible customer experience for people using our services and we have worked closely with our colleagues at CalMac to ensure that continues.
“Customers purchasing Rail & Sail tickets will now receive a coupon which can be redeemed for a boarding pass when they reach the ferry.
“Unfortunately, some of our other products that had ferry travel as part of the ticket no longer have that included as a result of CalMac’s change to its ticketing system.
“All of our products still offer fantastic value and are very popular with people who want to travel throughout the Highlands and Islands.”
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