Stornoway and Ullapool route will be first to pilot changes to CalMac's ticketing system

The pilot begins later this month and is expected to last approximately four weeks. During this period all elements of the new upgrades will be trialled - passenger feedback will be warmly received and patience is also sought should any teething problems arise.

For the first time, foot passengers will be able to book their ticket online, allowing greater convenience for our customers, particularly during busy periods.

The pre-booking for foot passengers also extends to phone or face-to-face reservations made in port offices, but it is expected that web bookings will hold greatest appeal.

In addition, also in another first, passengers (with or without vehicles) will be issued with an e-ticket and boarding card at point of booking - much like many airlines. These can then be printed out at home. If a customer is unable to print out their ticket, the facility to collect at the port office will continue. Each ticket has a unique bar code and will be scanned prior to boarding which prevents copying and provides robust security.

When choosing to make bookings online, customers will be able to set up an account which means that they will be able to sign in to their own account area without having to repeatedly enter the same details.

"We are committed to improving the services we offer. Listening and responding to our customers' needs plays a big part in this and I am delighted that we are continuing to introduce transformational solutions that will revolutionise our customers' experience," said CalMac's Head of Ticketing and Reservations, Alan Hood. "Offering print-at-home tickets makes online ticket purchase the most convenient, flexible and secure way to buy."

After the four week trial on the Ullapool to Stornoway route, the enhancements will be rolled out across all of the bookable routes during the summer.  There also plans to deliver a phased roll-out of enhancements on non- bookable routes in due course.

The feedback email address and frequently asked questions will go live on our website on Friday May 20 and can be found at www.calmac.co.uk/ticketing-trial