Consultant calls for better IoW ferry deal
Transport consultant, Beverley Bell CBE, has called for the government to carve a better deal for Isle of Wight residents and visitors as ferry services falter and prices rise.
Beverley Bell
“This morning, the residents and businesses of the Isle of Wight were met with yet another disruption as Red Funnel announced the cancellation of their sailings,” she says. “This incident is not isolated but rather a part of a troubling pattern of unreliability from one of our primary transport providers. The impact on our community and economy is profound, and it raises serious concerns about the dependability of services we rely on.
“Furthermore, the alternative ferry service provided by Wightlink offers no solace, with charges exceeding £150 for a mere five-mile journey. This pricing is unjustifiable and imposes an unreasonable burden on those who depend on these ferries for their daily commute and commercial activities.”
Beverley Bell said she believes there is no longer any real competition between the operations, and ask for a ‘fair deal’ for the island.
“The monopoly these ferry companies have over our island is holding us to ransom, severely affecting not only the daily lives of residents but also deterring visitors and damaging our tourism industry. The economic repercussions are harsh and far-reaching, stifling the potential growth and prosperity of our community.
“As a committed advocate for our community and a business owner, I urge Red Funnel and Wightlink to reassess their operational practices and pricing strategies. Reliable and affordable transport is not a luxury but a necessity for the residents of the Isle of Wight.
“I call upon relevant stakeholders, including local authorities and regulatory bodies, to take immediate action to address these issues. We need transparent communication, consistent service delivery, and fair pricing to ensure that our island remains connected and our economy robust.
“It is time for a change. The people and businesses of the Isle of Wight deserve better.”
Responding to the criticism, Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel told Bus & Coach Buyer: “We recognise the challenges our passengers face during periods of disruption and are sorry for the inconvenience caused. Red Funnel strives to deliver maximum reliability across all our services and continuously takes steps to enhance operational reliability. We have invested millions over the last few years to strengthen resilience and have an extensive plan to renew both our infrastructure and our vessels to further improve reliability and reduce our carbon footprint.
“Like most other travel operators, Red Funnel operates a fluid-based pricing system for vehicle traffic. Travellers who book earlier and travel at off-peak times benefit from the lowest prices. In 2023, many bookings were made with some form of discount. We are committed to providing value for our customers – our prices are set for a car and include up to 7 people. For foot passengers, we offer fixed pricing but with various categories of tickets. All customers can select the fare and crossing that best meets their needs, ensuring they get the best value for their money.
“Island residents benefit from our pricing structure relative to mainland visitors, as they are more likely to travel year-round and on quieter sailings. On average, island residents pay approximately 30% less than visitors for car travel. Typically, we increase prices each year in line with inflation. Foot passenger fares and all commercial prices are published/agreed fixed, with discounts available for bulk purchases.”
Wightlink have also been approached for comment but as yet, no reply has been received.