A year after Wightlink introduced the £70 maximum return ferry fare for Isle of Wight residents travelling to the mainland for NHS appointments, there has been an increase of more than 50 per cent in the number of crossings made by Islanders using these discounted fares*.
NHS patients taking a vehicle from Fishbourne or Yarmouth at any time of the year now pay no more than £35 for a single crossing.
However, Wightlink’s Contact Centre staff can frequently find fares that can be up to £10 cheaper per leg through the long-established 50 per cent discount.
Wightlink’s assisted travel line (0800 093 8236) is there for customers who would like to use the NHS discount and also supports customers with limited mobility who would like extra assistance when crossing the Solent.
FastCat foot passenger fares with the 50% discount are £12.20.
In 2023, Wightlink held discussions with the NHS, health organisations, charities and patients to find out how the ferry company could improve its services for Islanders who need to use mainland health services.
Feedback from the focus groups led to the introduction of the £70 capped return fares.
“These discounts have been widely welcomed and more patients are travelling with us for NHS appointments,” says Wightlink’s Head of Customer Experience Sara Howden.
“But we know we need to do more to promote this assistance.
"We are talking to the Island’s NHS on how we can work together to help spread the word to patients and clinicians and are distributing leaflets explaining the discounts to GP practices and at St Mary’s Hospital.
“If anyone would like to display a poster or give out Wightlink’s leaflets, please do get in touch and we will gladly provide them.”
Daisy Chains is one of the charities supported by Wightlink.
Mandy Fuller from Daisy Chains said:
“Some of the families we help have to go to the mainland everyday so we welcome Wightlink’s support with fares.
"We speak directly to staff in the Contact Centre who understand their situation and are very helpful.”
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