People travelling on Serco NorthLink Ferries will no longer need photo identification to board the ships, managing director Stuart Garrett announced yesterday.
The move sees the services to the Northern Isles fall into line with other domestic ferry services. Serco NorthLink believes it will also boost tourism to the islands by allowing people to make unplanned visits.
Mr Garrett said: “One of our main objectives is to make travel as easy and comfortable as possible for passengers, from the minute they visit our website to their arrival at the destination terminal.
“Halting the need for photographic identity cards will make it easier for people to make spontaneous visits. It also makes the Northern Isles feel welcoming and inclusive from first impression.”
Mr Garrett said in some cases passengers would still need identification to pick up pre-booked or discounted tickets. He advised customers to check the terms and conditions of their booking on the NorthLink website.
Readers' Comments
Three cheers for Serco. Shows what a lot of lies we have been told about this “requirement” in the past.
- Robert WishartNovember 22, 2012
It seems to me this is a “non announcement” – Pre-booked, or discounted tickets, which is every single islander, will still “reqire” to produce ID even if not pre-booked they are discounted by virtue of the islander discound scheme. So who actually benefits from this? – Only people who pitch up and pay full fare which, lets face it must be minimal by number at best. Please explain to me where the benefit is because as far as i can see nothing changes for islanders
- Stewart MackNovember 23, 2012
We really liked the photo ID rule, gives us some reassurance that Serco are checking out criminals and terrorists. Since most of us still seem to need photo ID then it is only last minute buyers who can get on board without it. Now… who might that be?
- John SmithNovember 23, 2012