Express Investigated – Namdalsavisa

NAMSOS: – The current tender for the operation of fast ferry valid until the end of 2017. It is natural to consider the future provision in this regard, said function manager for communications, Terje Skrattalsrud.

Transport Administration has prepared an internal memorandum on fast communications Leka-Rørvik-Namsos.

The County Council has not yet taken a position on this.

– Natural review

County Council for Transport, Tor Erik Jensen, is however clear that the county council will go through fast communications since the tender expires in 31 December 2017.

According to the agreement the possibility of a two-year contract extension that took effect from 1 January 2010.

– It is natural to take a thorough review on the offer. If there are better option than the current, is impossible to predict now, says Jensen.

There are FosenNamsos Marine AS, which operates the route on behalf of the county.

The county spends about 20 million on offer. As in other areas considered costs relative to the benefits of the offer.

Fewer travelers

There are fewer traveling with Foldafjord since the boat was adopted in 2010.

In 2012, a total of 34,277 passengers. In 2013 the number was reduced to 31 806 passengers, ie a decrease of 7.2 percent. The reduction was greatest in November and December with 19 percent fewer travelers.

The decline continued in 2014 – with 15,976 passengers from 16,342 passengers in the first half of 2013.

Today’s traffic, however slight against the good years after new Namdalingen was adopted.

The top year was 2003 all over 48,607 passengers. When NA discussed developments in an article in 2008, 2005 was described as a trough year with “only” 43,729 that solved ticket.

From sea to land

Transport Administration follows the development happens.

– We see a clear transfer of traffic from sea to land. this has been a clear trend since 2007, says adviser Day Ystad.

They are prepared to go into detail on this in connection with the tender period expires.

– Can it be necessary to replace speedboat with other public transport?

– That I can not answer, but it is natural to look at what options may be available.

Anyway, there will be a thorough and transparent process before taking a position on something. The relevant authorities will be involved in this, says Ystad.

It was a comprehensive process for making decisions about the purchase of new speedboat and the signing of the contract was made.

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions would be reduced, including reduced speed.

– In retrospect, we see that the reports and decisions about Foldafjord stand strongly believes Ystad.