The passengers have set up an online petition called Competition 4 IOW Ferries urging people to sign up to request an investigation by the Competition Commission.

They are claiming that islanders, particularly those on foot, were at the mercy of 'unregulated ferry operators' for getting off the island.

They say the cost of a season ticket had increased by more than 30 per cent, and that Red Funnel's Red Jet season ticket prices had increased year on year at twice to three times the rate of inflation.

The claims are disputed by Wightlink and Red Funnel, which say that travelling with them was reasonable, but both admitted costs had risen.

Last year, Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner urged commuters to send him past evidence of ticket prices to provide enough proof that fares charged by Wightlink and Red Funnel had risen out of kilter with costs in recent years.

This was part of a campaign to get the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to probe the ferry prices.

Solent ferry writer Andrew Cooke said: 'Prices are creeping up slowly. There are lots of offers but they aren't often available when you most need to travel. We often have to think twice these days as to where we go and for what reason and you are heavily penalised early in the morning.'

He added: 'From a business point of view people over here are being put at a disadvantage now because a lot of firms won't send reps over because of the prices.'

Wightlink marketing manager Kerry Jackson said the company disputed the allegation of an abuse.

'Wightlink has periodically been reviewed by the OFT, which found no evidence of any abuse of a dominant position with regard to pricing.
'Wightlink offers an overall and varied package of fare options to its customers.'

Colin Hetherington, of Red Funnel, said: 'Although it is becoming increasingly expensive to operate a frequent year- round service, we strive to offer a range of competitive, value-for- money fares.

'Our Island Club scheme is targeted specifically at islanders and offers substantial savings to members.'