Wishart wants to hear NorthLink travel booking experiences
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart has today launched an online survey looking for feedback from constituents about their experiences when trying to book Serco NorthLink ferry travel to and from Shetland and being unable to which is leaving travellers unable to plan ahead.
The survey questions are designed to better understand the booking experience of passengers on Shetland’s lifeline ferry route and will be used to press the company and Scottish ministers to improve the service.
Questions include asking responders how many times they have tried to book travel and how far in advance they have sought to book travel.
This follows the delay earlier in the year to book beyond March dates and the current inability to book beyond 30th September which is already disrupting islanders’ travel plans for the October and Christmas breaks. Ms Wishart has raised the issue with the former and new Transport Ministers, as well as lodging written questions.
Reponses to the survey will then be used to inform Ms Wishart's discussions with Transport Scotland, Serco Northlink and Scottish Ministers and to press for improved provision on lifeline routes.
The halving of concessionary provision when trying to book a cabin has been in place since Covid-19 guidance was issued and last week Ms Wishart, and Orkney MSP Liam McArthur, were informed there are no plans to bring back the option of shared cabins. Ms Wishart plans to continue raising the matter following representations from constituents.
Ms Wishart said:
“I know that many islanders are sick of dealing with NorthLink's restricted booking system but my understanding is the issue lies with Transport Scotland. Summer travellers are warning that booking a cabin with or without a car is proving challenging while those looking to book travel now for the October and Christmas holidays are finding that it is impossible.
"If families in the central belt were facing similarly frustrating blockages, they would expect the Scottish Government to find a swift solution.
“I want to hear from those who have been affected by lack of availability and the delays in opening the booking system beyond September to try to establish just how many people are affected. My inbox tells me that goodwill is starting to erode and the Scottish Government needs to listen.
“This survey will help me to make the case to Transport Scotland and to Ministers that now is the time for action."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Ms Wishart’s survey can be found at: https://www.beatricewishart.org.uk/northlink-booking-survey