Silvers Marine takes over Clyde ferry service from SPT
Ferry Online Travel News 01/04/2010
The SPT Clyde ferry service from Yorker to Renfrew has been taken over by Silvers Marine UK
Despite fears that it would be abandoned forever, a replacement ferry service has begun on the River Clyde between Yorker and Renfrew. The previous service, which was run by Strathclyde Partnership of Transport, ended yesterday after receiving heavy subsidies.
It was thought that the historic crossing on the narrow stretch of water might be stopped forever, but a privately-run firm has immediately taken up the slack. SPT has secured a deal with Silvers Marine UK to run a replacement service under a five-year lease. The service may be more expensive, however, and run less frequently.
Silvers Marine already has a boatyard at Roseneath in Clyde and has substantial experience in the ferry industry. Residents on both sides of the water have, however, expressed sadness at SPT’s decision to leave.
The new Silvers Marine service is set to run from 6:30 to 21:30 Monday to Saturday and from 10:00 and 18:30 on Sundays. It will run every half hour, unless there is extra demand during peak periods.
The SPT chairman Jonathan Findlay said he believed that after considering many offers from the commercial sector, Silvers Marines could provide the best deal, utilising the existing slipways and avoiding any further subsidies. He added that the move was exciting for those interested in river travel and that he was delighted that the service will continue.
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