A LONG-RUNNING ferry service which crossed the River Clyde has announced its closure “with immediate effect”.
The Renfrew to Yoker Ferry will no longer be sailing from May 31 after staff announced the vessel's closure on Saturday.
The service, which provided a link between the north and south banks of the River Clyde, was axed due to a decline in passenger numbers, making the service “no longer viable”.
The transport firm said in a statement online that dwindling passenger numbers were caused by the opening of the new Renfrew Bridge earlier this month.
Members of the crew thanked passengers for their support over the years and stated that it was an “end of an era”.
A statement published to the Renfrew to Yoker Ferry's X/Twitter read: “Hi folks, you have probably been expecting this message.
“The ferry is closing effective immediately. Since the bridge opened, the passenger numbers have gone down, and this past week dropped to a level that it is no longer viable to keep running.
“We didn't get funding, but only passenger fares kept us going. A huge thank you from us to all of you who used the ferry.
“Some of you, every day. Many became personal friends. Yes, the bridge is a real pain when it's unavailable, sometimes for hours, but that's just swinging bridge life, and those of us who live locally will get used to it.
“So goodbye from all the Renfrew to Yoker staff. It is certainly the end of an era. We will see you around.”
People flocked to share their disappointment at the news in the comments of the post online.
One person said: “Gutted guys, it was a pleasure every morning.”
A second added: "Sorry to hear this, but knew it was likely. Thank you for all your years of service to our community and to the Clyde."
Meanwhile, a third person said: "Oh no. Sorry to hear this. We had a wee hurl on it last year, as I was always curious about it.
“It was fabulous, glad we did. All the very best.”
A fourth added: “Sorry to hear you didn't get funding. Thanks for all the journeys for our cycling group over the years.
“We love the wee ferry. Wishing you all the best.”
