Council seeks responses to online survey of Corran Ferry users

The Highland Council is seeking responses to an online survey of individuals who use the Corran Ferry service.

The Council has previously committed to undertaking a socio-economic impact study of fares on the Corran Ferry service. They have appointed consultants, AECOM, to undertake this work. Their research includes an online survey to collect information from individuals who use the ferry service. The consultants will also be undertaking a separate telephone survey of businesses to obtain information from them.

The link to the online survey can be accessed through the home page of the  Council’s website at http://www.www.highland.gov.uk/. The survey will run from Monday 16 December until the closing date of Monday 13 January 2014. 

Those who prefer to complete the survey in a paper format can contact AECOM on 01224 661830 to request a paper version of the questionnaire and an addressed return envelope

During the festive period between December 21st and January 5th requests for paper versions of the questionnaire can be left on AECOM’s answer phone and these will be dealt with when offices re-open on 6 January 2014.

The Council is keen that as many individuals as possible-including holidaymakers-respond to the survey. That will help to ensure that the results are representative of those who use the ferry service. The survey covers all individual users of the Corran Ferry. This includes people who live in areas outside Lochaber, such as Mull as well as other parts of the country.

The survey information will be used to inform the socio –economic study which in turn will assist the Council in their deliberations when determining future fare increases for the Corran Ferry.

The consultants will produce their report for Highland Council in late January 2014.

Councillor Graham Phillips, Chair, Transport Environmental and Community Services, said: “The ferry service is an important part of the Lochaber transport network and it is important that the Council has as much information as possible for the socio-economic study.  I urge all users of the ferry to take part in the survey and provide as much accurate information as possible on their own personal travel patterns.”