Water way to travel to work

Published 11 Feb 2010 09:26 7 Comments

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SOLUTION? The 'amfibus' could be the answer for the Renfrew Yoker crossing. PIC BY STEWART ROBERTSON

By Rosalyn Campbell and Jamie Borthwick

PLANS haven't been sunk yet for an innovative solution to the Renfrew crossing as a second day of technical tests saw an amphibious bus cross the Clyde.

Stagecoach began a trial of the 'amfibus' on Monday, but there was a sinking feeling as the coach ground to a halt when an airbag-based suspension mechanism was broken as it came up the jetty at Renfrew.

The 50-seat coach - which travels on road and across water - was towed off to the garage for repair, and yesterday it successfully ferried fascinated industry chiefs and reporters across the Clyde with no problems.

Stagecoach supremo Brian Soutar, said that the bus would be the first of its kind to be used for commuter journeys.

He said: "I'm not aware of this model being used for anything other than tourism anywhere in the world.

"It is particularly suited for this crossing because it is inland water with no real tide or current.

"We don't expect bad weather to be a problem for it either - it should be perfect for operation 360 out of 365 days a year."

Stagecoach is working on a system for disabled access and it hopes to encourage cyclists to stay with the crossing using racks at the back to carry bicycles.

On making the crossing financially viable, the transport entrepreneur added: "There are many issues still to be sorted out but I am sure we can make it commercially viable.

"It will have to be justifiable with the fare and we'll work hard to ensure that."

Chloe Wright, 18, from Renfrew, takes the ferry every day to go to Clydebank College and hopes the waterbus will be there for the long term.

She said: "It will be good to keep the crossing - as long it doesn't sink.

"It looks very weird in the water but I hope it does come in because I use the ferry every day."

Renfrewshire Council leader Councillor Derek Mackay said: "We are currently in discussion with a number of commercial operators about the future of the Renfrew Ferry.

"The ferry is a vital transport link which caters for 140,000 passenger journeys a year.

"The council is happy to hear any new business proposals and would be willing to hold immediate talks with Stagecoach."

The slipways at Renfrew and Yoker would be modified to enable the 'amfibus' to operate during all tide levels.

It would follow a route by road from Braehead to the Renfrew ferry slipway, crossing the Clyde to Yoker and then travelling on by road to Clydebank.

This article appeared in The Gazette 10 Feb 10

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Harriet
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Feb 11, 10:45
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I sometimes use the ferry if I'm going to visit my gran, but this looks a bit dodgy. I think it's good that they're coming up with some alternative ideas, but I don't think older people will feel safe on that bus.

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Chris G
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Feb 12, 12:03
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When I first saw the pictures I thought some nutcase had driven a Stagecoach into the Clyde. I read on and discovered that this is pretty much exactly what happened (minus the nutcase!). Seriously though, I dont think this is a fitting replacement for the ferry. It looks horrible and out of place on the river and I just can't accept that it will be a problem free alternative.

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Lisa
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Feb 12, 12:09
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Im so excited about the amfibus! What a cool way to keep the crossing. The people who are moaning about the ferry need to move on and accept that things change.

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John Baxter
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Feb 12, 12:15
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"I am pleased that there are moves to replace the ferry and keep the crossing. However, with all the problems and delays to the more traditional modes of transport in the city, is this new form of transport the answer? The fact that it failed on its first outing doesn't fill me with much confidence."

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James Ford
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Feb 12, 13:02
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From the pictures, the "amfibus" looks like a bit fo an eyesore to be honest. But, if it's going to be the only alternative to a much loved service, then I am behind it. Too many people rely on the ferry for there to be no replacement.

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Neil H
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Feb 12, 13:09
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I hope the amfibus plan goes ahead. Any service which will take you from Braehead, across the Clyde to Yoker, then on road again to Clydebank without passengers having to leave their seat is very impressive.

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gordon m
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Feb 15, 21:25
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Just wait for the fare, judging by the rest of our public transport prices it will cost a fortune, wait and see a fiver each way......

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