Calls to save historic Renfrew-Yoker Ferry after closure
The Renfrew to Yoker Ferry officially ceased operating on May 31 after a decline in passenger numbers following the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge.
The vessel was one of the country's oldest river crossings and was said to have relied solely on passenger fares.
Following the announcement, there was an outpouring of sadness from commuters who depended on the link between the north and south banks of the River Clyde.
Now, Councillor Malcolm Mitchell has written to transport bosses SPT and First Bus, local authorities surrounding the bridge, and Glasgow's convenor for transport, calling to save the ferry.
Cllr Mitchell, who represents the Garscadden/Scotstounhill ward, told the Glasgow Times that the loss had 'exposed a wider lack of transport' across the river and that action must be taken.
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He said: 'The Renfrew-Yoker Ferry has been an institution in the local area for generations. All options to preserve it must be considered.
'Just a few weeks ago, Glasgow City Council (GCC) unanimously backed my motion about the River Clyde, acknowledging the importance of North-South connections.
'What the potential loss of the ferry exposes is a wider lack of public transport across the river.
'Public transport is so important for opening up work, education and training opportunities.
"Providing an enhanced public transport offering that connects Yoker and the wider area with Glasgow Airport, Braehead and the QEUH would be hugely beneficial."
In his letter, Councillor Mitchell highlighted that the ferry had been the only public transport crossing the Clyde in this area.
Its loss now means there is 'no public transport crossing' on the Clyde for a seven-mile stretch between the Clyde Tunnel and the Erskine Bridge.
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As such, he is urging SPT to engage with the ferry operator, Glasgow City Council, Renfrewshire Council, and West Dunbartonshire Council to investigate the possibility of allowing the service to continue 'in some form' – possibly a heavily subsidised form.
Councillor Mitchell further called for engagement with bus operators and the aforementioned local authorities to look at whether there is a viable timetabled bus service that could run across the bridge.
If not, then exploring the possibility of a shuttle service or the re-routing/expansion of current bus services south of the river to take in the new road network around Meadowside Street/Fishers Road.
An SPT spokesperson commented: 'The Renfrew–Yoker ferry operated on a commercial basis.
"SPT has received correspondence from Councillor Mitchell and will respond in due course.'
A petition has also been launched on Change.org to save the vessel and has so far gathered more than 1200 signatures.
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A statement published to the page reads: 'We fully recognise this wasn't an easy decision, and we thank those who kept the service running as long as they could.
'The impact on local people has been immediate and significant. School pupils, elderly residents and commuters now face much longer, more complex journeys and the bridge, while welcome, doesn't fully replace the ferry, especially when it lifts for river traffic.
'And crucially: the new Renfrew Bridge isn't always open. As a swing bridge, it regularly closes for river traffic, sometimes for hours at a time.
'During those periods, pedestrians, cyclists, and road users are left with no quick or easy alternative. The ferry offered a consistent route regardless of ship traffic, something the bridge can't match.
'We're calling on Renfrewshire Council, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to explore all options and keep this historic route alive, before it's lost for good.'
A GCC spokesperson commented: 'We will consider the details on any proposals around the Ferry service, and will respond in due course.'
Renfrewshire Council declined to comment.
First Bus and West Dunbartonshire Council have been contacted for comment.
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Glasgow Times
2 days ago
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Calls to save historic Renfrew-Yoker Ferry after closure
The Renfrew to Yoker Ferry officially ceased operating on May 31 after a decline in passenger numbers following the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge. The vessel was one of the country's oldest river crossings and was said to have relied solely on passenger fares. Following the announcement, there was an outpouring of sadness from commuters who depended on the link between the north and south banks of the River Clyde. Now, Councillor Malcolm Mitchell has written to transport bosses SPT and First Bus, local authorities surrounding the bridge, and Glasgow's convenor for transport, calling to save the ferry. Cllr Mitchell, who represents the Garscadden/Scotstounhill ward, told the Glasgow Times that the loss had 'exposed a wider lack of transport' across the river and that action must be taken. READ NEXT: Renfrew to Yoker ferry closes with 'immediate effect' He said: 'The Renfrew-Yoker Ferry has been an institution in the local area for generations. All options to preserve it must be considered. 'Just a few weeks ago, Glasgow City Council (GCC) unanimously backed my motion about the River Clyde, acknowledging the importance of North-South connections. 'What the potential loss of the ferry exposes is a wider lack of public transport across the river. 'Public transport is so important for opening up work, education and training opportunities. "Providing an enhanced public transport offering that connects Yoker and the wider area with Glasgow Airport, Braehead and the QEUH would be hugely beneficial." In his letter, Councillor Mitchell highlighted that the ferry had been the only public transport crossing the Clyde in this area. Its loss now means there is 'no public transport crossing' on the Clyde for a seven-mile stretch between the Clyde Tunnel and the Erskine Bridge. READ NEXT: 'Outrage' at plans to install bin hubs in Glasgow community As such, he is urging SPT to engage with the ferry operator, Glasgow City Council, Renfrewshire Council, and West Dunbartonshire Council to investigate the possibility of allowing the service to continue 'in some form' – possibly a heavily subsidised form. Councillor Mitchell further called for engagement with bus operators and the aforementioned local authorities to look at whether there is a viable timetabled bus service that could run across the bridge. If not, then exploring the possibility of a shuttle service or the re-routing/expansion of current bus services south of the river to take in the new road network around Meadowside Street/Fishers Road. An SPT spokesperson commented: 'The Renfrew–Yoker ferry operated on a commercial basis. "SPT has received correspondence from Councillor Mitchell and will respond in due course.' A petition has also been launched on to save the vessel and has so far gathered more than 1200 signatures. READ NEXT: Teams crowned winners at Glasgow's Govan Fair Cup A statement published to the page reads: 'We fully recognise this wasn't an easy decision, and we thank those who kept the service running as long as they could. 'The impact on local people has been immediate and significant. School pupils, elderly residents and commuters now face much longer, more complex journeys and the bridge, while welcome, doesn't fully replace the ferry, especially when it lifts for river traffic. 'And crucially: the new Renfrew Bridge isn't always open. As a swing bridge, it regularly closes for river traffic, sometimes for hours at a time. 'During those periods, pedestrians, cyclists, and road users are left with no quick or easy alternative. The ferry offered a consistent route regardless of ship traffic, something the bridge can't match. 'We're calling on Renfrewshire Council, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to explore all options and keep this historic route alive, before it's lost for good.' A GCC spokesperson commented: 'We will consider the details on any proposals around the Ferry service, and will respond in due course.' Renfrewshire Council declined to comment. First Bus and West Dunbartonshire Council have been contacted for comment.
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