Disabled passengers forced to stay on minibus due to lift fault on replacement Arran ferry service

Disabled passengers travelling by ferry between Arran and the mainland have been forced to remain on a minibus during the journey due to a lift fault on the replacement vessel.

MV Alfred has been providing a single-vessel service since Saturday, while both MV Caledonian Isles and MV Glen Sannox are in drydock.

CalMac has confirmed that there is an ongoing issue with the vessel’s lift and as a result, passengers who use a wheelchair are now forced to spend their journey on a minibus.

An accessible toilet has also been situated on the car deck for passengers due to the lift fault.

The ferry operator described the situation as “far from ideal” and that the service provided to passengers “falls below the standard” CalMac hopes to provide to customers.

The lift is expected to be fixed by the week beginning January 19.

A CalMac spokeswoman said: “Due to an issue with MV Alfred’s lift, we have also taken steps during sailings.

“These include the provision of an accessible toilet on the car deck, an accessible minibus for foot passengers who use a wheelchair, and crew welfare checks during the crossing, with emergency assistance available if required.

“Whilst compliant with legislation, we recognise that the set up for passengers with mobility issues is far from ideal and falls below the standard we’d hope to provide customers. The lift is expected to be repaired the week of January 19.

“These additional services will remain in place until a two-vessel service returns to the main Arran route.’