Wightlink Hopes To Bring Back Later FastCat Sailings, Says Councillor

Wednesday, 16 February 2022 13:51

By Oliver Dyer @olidyer

Wightlink hopes to reintroduce a later FastCat sailing in the Spring, according to an Isle of Wight councillor.

Cllr Richard Quigley says the ferry firm has told him it is looking at putting on an extra Ryde to Portsmouth crossing.

It follow criticism from those using the service.

Currently, the last sailing from the mainland to the Island is 8.22pm. Commuters say this is too early.

Cllr Quigley met with the CEOs of both Red Funnel and Wightlink to discuss issues. He received the following answers to his questions:

NHS Discount

Wighlink – you need to book by phone (0333 999 7333 9am to 6 pm (5 pm weekends)) with evidence of your NHS appointment. You don’t have to be the driver, if someone is taking you to the appointment, the discount still applies. They will also retrospectively refund the difference in the ticket price if you have proof of appointment.

Red Funnel - book by phone (023 8001 9192 8 am to 7 pm (6 pm at weekends)). Evidence of appointment required (they will accept a text), you do not have to be the driver, if someone else is taking you to the appointment. The discount still applies.

Disabled access

Wightlink - additional requirements can be notified on the booking form. Such as parking near a lift etc. Don’t assume a blue badge means WL know you need help, please don’t be scared to specify. Helping hand scheme – for hidden disabilities, ask in advance when booking online.

Red Funnel - a new control mechanism is being fitted to all existing lifts to improve reliability. New vessels will have larger lifts that can fit a mobility scooter and a carer at the same time. Stairs will also be more accessible on new ferries.

In car protocol

Wightlink - it would be fair to say neither ferry company is keen on in car journeys. However, they appreciate some passengers need to remain in vehicle. Notification in advance is required, best done by phone, the preference is 72 hours advanced notice, but this is not always practical.

Red Funnel - notify by phone, ideally 72 hours in advance. New call centre operators are being recruited to reduce call waiting times. New call centre operators are being recruited to reduce call waiting times

Cllr Quigley told Isle of Wight Radio:

“Following the raising of several issues by ferry users, I’ve meetings with the chief executives of both RF and Wightlink and would like to thank them for their time and courtesy.

"Whilst my views on the ferries are fairly well know, in the absence of a change of government, the most sensible thing to do is open a dialogue to address users issues.

"We started with issues around accessibility and the confusion over accessing the NHS discounted travel rate.

"Both RF and WL have agreed to regular meetings and RF are due to re instate their users forum in the spring. The reliability and frequency of the service are top priorities, the aim is for users to address these concerns directly with RF and WL.

"I haven’t solved the perennial issues with cross Solent travel, but hope the initial responses help some users."

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