In Business Insider today:
The high-speed ferry goes from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Muskegon, Michigan, and cuts across Lake Michigan, turning a stress fest that can take well over three hours by car into a relaxing two-and-a-half-hour ferry excursion. My Lake Express ferry ticket cost $93.50 each way with an additional $36 dollars in charges for port and security fees and fuel, making for a grand total of $223 [£176].
https://www.insider.com/ferry-ride-michigan-lake-express-review-milwaukee-muskegon-2023-8#i-started-by-buying-my-ferry-ticket-which-i-thought-was-quite-expensive-1
The Ullapool to Stornoway ferry takes 2 hours and 45 minutes and costs only between £9 and £10 each way thanks to a massive Scottish Government/Taxpayer subsidy.
Meanwhile in Scotland:
Islanders who are frustrated at the unreliability of CalMac ferries are looking to set up their own service. Mull and Iona Ferry Committee (MIFC) is considering a community-owned alternative to the service provided by the state-owned ferry operator. The group believes catamarans and shore-based crewing could offer a better service at far less cost to the taxpayer.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-63498080
Great idea. Go for it!
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
Those who are pushing for an alternative to CalMac need to put a robust business case to the islanders.
Should make interesting reading.
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Yes , let’s have a privately owned monopoly service which will save the taxpayer money . Just like the privatised railways – which only have a few billions in subsidy each year to help out the poor shareholders .
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You’ll note the ” far less cost to the taxpayer ” bollocks bit.
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