Renfrewshire North & West MSP Derek Mackay has expressed concern that the Renfrew ferry service, which has served the route between Renfrew and Yoker for the last 200 years, has not been operational, with no sign of explanation.
Passengers have been left stranded at either side of the commercial ferry service, and have complained about a non-existent coach service and no response from the contact telephone number posted for assistance at the Renfrew and Yoker side slipways.
Derek Mackay attended the ferry at Friday rush hour after being contacted by constituents to find passengers stranded, and the telephone number on the poster switched off.
As of today, Monday, the ferry is still not in operation, and the contact phone still switched off.
Mr Mackay has raised the matter with SPT, and tried to make contact with the company that runs the ferry, Clydelink.
SPT removed the direct public sector ferry service the Renfrew Rose and Yoker Swan in 2010, a withdrawal then opposed by Derek Mackay.
Derek Mackay said: “I was always concerned that when SPT pulled their support for a directly run public sector ferry service the route would be at risk, and now my warning may come to pass.
“I am demanding actions and answers both from the private operators and SPT. This link has been served by ferry for generations, and the people of Renfrew, and Yoker, will not accept it simply been withdrawn temporarily, or even worse removed completely.
“The route serves a historic link, as well as a practical route for people getting to work, shopping or visiting friends and family.
“I have been contacted by constituents concerned about this, and the lack of information is troubling. Especially as people currently unaware of the issue are turning up expecting a ferry service then feel somewhat stranded.
“The accounts of those turning up at the slipways is that the contact number is not being answered, and the substitute coach service is non-existent.
“I have myself called the number on the poster on several occasions, to receive a message saying “this phone is switched off”.”