This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/6940938.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Details expected on ferry fares Lower ferry fares to be piloted
(about 3 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. Low-cost ferry fares to and from the Western Isles are to be piloted as part of a government study.
The SNP made lowering the cost of trips to the islands a key commitment in its election manifesto. Finance Secretary John Swinney announced the first phase towards delivering "road equivalent tarriffs" (RET) during a visit to Lewis.
Mr Swinney is due on Lewis to announce measures to reduce fares. RET bases the cost of travelling on the equivalent distance by road.
The SNP has long argued for "road equivalent tariffs" (RET) which base the cost of travelling on the equivalent distance by road. The SNP made lowering the cost of trips to the isles, which have been seen as a barrier to economic growth, as a key commitment in its election manifesto.
High charges have been seen by many as a barrier to economic growth on the islands, according to the government. This approach would not just benefit islanders by providing cheaper fares but could also boost island economies by attracting tourists and supporting businesses John Swinney Finance Secretary
Mr Swinney said the study will look at how RET can be tested on a route, or routes, to the isles.
He said: "I believe that the way forward is to consider the benefits of introducing a road equivalent tariff (RET) approach to setting fares in Scotland.
"This approach would not just benefit islanders by providing cheaper fares but could also boost island economies by attracting tourists and supporting businesses."
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.
Alf Baird, a professor of maritime transport, said cheaper travel by sea was welcome but added there should be a move away from state-owned services.
Mr Baird, of Napier University's Transport Research Institute, said compared to road and rail users ferry travellers were being "penalised" by the fares they were having to pay.