|
25 January 2010
INTER island ferry fares for 16 and 18 year olds are set to
be reduced by a massive three pounds.
On Friday, councillors on the inter island ferry board gave
in to public pressure spearheaded by Bressay community
council.
In December last year, the community council petitioned
Shetland Islands Council to consider introducing a
concessionary fare for all youngsters up to their 18th
birthday across the whole inter island ferry service.
At present anyone up the age of 16 is paying just 40 pence
per ferry journey, a fare that rises to £3.40 after the 16th
birthday.
Councillors heard that this steep a rise poses a huge burden
on both children and parents. |
They agreed to extend the
concessionary fare of 40 pence to all 16 to 18 year olds, a
move that will cost an estimated £16,000 per annum in loss
of income.
Councillors decided to increase the adult fare to pay for
it, rather than giving officials the task of identifying
other savings within the ferries budget.
The move has still to be ratified by the full council, which
meets on 17 February.
|
