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Details expected on ferry fares Details expected on ferry fares
(about 2 hours later)
Details of how promises to cut ferry fares for island communities will be delivered are due to be outlined by Finance Secretary John Swinney later.Details of how promises to cut ferry fares for island communities will be delivered are due to be outlined by Finance Secretary John Swinney later.
The "road equivalent tariff" (RET) involves setting ferry fares on the basis of the cost of travelling an equivalent distance by road. The SNP made lowering the cost of trips to the islands a key commitment in its election manifesto.
Mr Swinney is due on Lewis to announce measures to reduce fares.
The SNP has long argued for "road equivalent tariffs" (RET) which base the cost of travelling on the equivalent distance by road.
High charges have been seen by many as a barrier to economic growth on the islands, according to the government.High charges have been seen by many as a barrier to economic growth on the islands, according to the government.
Mr Swinney is due on Lewis, where he is to visit Stornoway Harbour.
Transport body Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership in Scotland (Hitrans) has previously estimated that 700 jobs and £22m a year could be generated by reducing ferry fares to the Western Isles by 30%.Transport body Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership in Scotland (Hitrans) has previously estimated that 700 jobs and £22m a year could be generated by reducing ferry fares to the Western Isles by 30%.
In May last year, the previous Scottish Executive introduced cheaper air fares for people living in parts of the Highlands and Islands.In May last year, the previous Scottish Executive introduced cheaper air fares for people living in parts of the Highlands and Islands.
The 40% discount scheme, costing an estimated £11m a year, applies to trips to Scotland's main airports.The 40% discount scheme, costing an estimated £11m a year, applies to trips to Scotland's main airports.
Discounts are available to passengers living in the Northern and Western Isles and those in Islay, Jura and Caithness.Discounts are available to passengers living in the Northern and Western Isles and those in Islay, Jura and Caithness.