30,000 used fast ferry

THE national boss of Stagecoach has hailed its fast ferry service across the Bay a huge success with almost 30,000 passengers carried in a month.

But today existing ferry operators claimed the new catamaran will blow them out the water and lead to a loss of jobs.

Final figures for the four-week trial last month show 29,800 people travelled on the new ferry between Torquay and Brixham.

Following the pilot scheme Brian Souter, pictured, chief executive of the Stagecoach Group, said their results showed people in the area had 'embraced' the new transport link and said further partnership working was needed to see it become permanent. Mr Souter said: "The challenge now is to look at the possibility of introducing a permanent fast ferry service in the area.

"To do that would require strong partnership working and investment in the harbour infrastructure at both Torquay and Brixham to accommodate the craft on a permanent basis.

"However, all that is possible and we will now consider the best way to take this forward.

"These passenger numbers show the trial was a big hit among commuters and tourists in Torbay and it's extremely encouraging to see so many people were willing to try a new mode of transport."

Mayor of Torbay Nick Bye added: "The popularity of the ferry during the trial proved to be a huge boost to the Bay's economy contributing to a September spending spree in the town, equivalent to a small cruise ship every day of the week."

But the independent operators of the Western Lady and Greenway ferry services say for an estimated £1million investment in new landing stages and waiting areas, Torbay will only get a marginally faster service with few other benefits.

They say they collectively put back at least £1million a year in wages, local boat supplies, fuel and harbour/kiosk charges and say 38 people could be put out of work by a new ferry service.

Sandie Armstrong, a director of the traditional Western Lady Service and Will Ford, boss of Greenway Quay and Ferry Service, have now produced their own analysis of the trial and have questioned the final figures.

Mrs Armstrong added. "There seems to be a clear intent by Torbay Council to invite competition on a route which is already well established, to our detriment.

"Why should our well-established service now be threatened, at a cost to us all?"

Their report claims they could carry 1,500 more passengers a day than Bayfast with more promotion and says their staff already act as 'ambassadors' and information centres, because of their local knowledge. They also claim some of their crafts are greener using much less fuel than the fast ferry catamaran.

Mr Ford said: "We can't match them on time, but there are other factors.

"We also use whatever harbourside facilities there are, without making extortionate financial demands on the harbour budget."

Ms Armstrong added: "Using the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' maxim, Torbay Council should recognise the value of a greener combined service with 42 sailings every day with a 30-minute crossing time, capable of carrying over 5,000 passengers a day and which makes a big contribution to the local economy."

Torbay Council has reiterated they will not be providing the funding for any new ferry service.

A council spokesperson said: "The council is keen to emphasise, once again, there are currently no plans to subsidise the fast ferry service, should they decide to make it permanent.

"This includes any infrastructure required, the funding for which would be sourced through grants."

Some businesses reported dramatic increases in sales and footfall during the trial.

Joe Cloutman, chairman of Brixham Chamber of Commerce, said: "On every occasion I can recall discussing transport issues for Brixham, the option of improving access by sea has always been raised.

"At last we have trialled a regular, fast link between Torquay and Brixham, in line with this policy."

Pauline Copik, of Gundry Ships Chandlers in Brixham, added: "A lot of people came to Brixham from Torquay who would not normally come because of the difficult road journey so our shop benefited. I would also use the ferry to shop in Torquay as the parking costs are so high."