Hurza Yousat MSP Riaghaltas na h-Alba Minister for Transport and the islands pr | Scottish Goverment gov.scot E scttshminsters@eov-scot Me Jackie Baile MSP Constiuency Office Church Street Dumbarton G82 1aL Your ref; FM/BAILO1024/01170666, urref 201710045907 (( January 2018 a dbar Darko, ‘Thank you for your letter of & December regarding the Gourock ~Kilereggan fery service following the members’ business debate on 30 November. Regarding the service disruption experienced under the current contract, as you are aware SPT are currenty wholly responsible for the service, However, Ihave raised this issue with the chair of SPT, Councilor Bartos, on several occasions. 1am aware that SPT have taken steps to Addross the poor performance levels wih the operate, and will continue to closely mantor the situation. The new contract recently tendered by SPT, due fo commence in July 2018, has @ ‘areater emphasis on quality than price, which should bring much needed improvements in Performance. Regarding the longer term responsibility forthe service, the Ferries Plan 2013-2022 staked that the Scottish Government is wiling to be responsible fora lifeline ferry services in Scotland, ‘subject fo agreement boing reached onthe level of capital and revenue funding to be transfered, which must represent the ‘rue cost of providing the service, “Transport Scotland officials have been woking constructively with SPT and have gathered ‘substantial information to inform a potential transfer. However, as | stated inthe debate, tis lea that the current situation does not represent the true cost of providing a ft for purpose ‘Once further information is avaliable from $PT in relation to the new contract, this shoul! provide a belter understanding ofthe rue cost ofthe service. My officials are engaged with SP on this {nd | will considr the further information and the next steps in due course, $F wl endfena Bar lft, KE keee ops tnd, U4 AF. HUMZA YOUSAF 5 aloe my, 150 roomie, lng G20 O Wo wvugovscot5 Ailantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow G2 BLL wow govscot BW o