New bus and ferry timetable changes approved

Council efforts to deal with concerns raised by Sullom Voe workers about a new bus timetable structure have paid off, members of Shetland’s transport body have been told.

Friday’s ZetTrans meeting heard changes to one of the ferry runs from Toft could be made, with plans to run the 0630 service at 0635 instead.

Lead officer Michael Craigie said the seemingly minor alteration would help prevent night shift terminal workers living in the North Isles from having to wait an extra hour before catching the ferry to Yell.

The partnership unanimously backed bus and ferry timetable alterations, which are being introduced following the introduction of the asymmetric school timetable in May. The school changes have meant a longer school day Monday to Thursday and a shorter one on Friday.

The bus timetable changes are designed to accommodate youngsters who wish to attend the new school despite not living in the Anderson High School catchment area.

They will cost a combined £47,000 a year, with the extra costs being met by the council’s children’s services department.

The meeting heard there had been an increase in placing requests from the North and South Mainland to the new high school since it opened.

South Mainland councillor Robbie McGregor said the last minute alterations were a good example of “local democracy at work”.

He added: “I’m delighted this result has been achieved. It’s very important these guys after a long shift aren’t left hanging around.”