Wightlink suspends travel from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight as passenger numbers fall

DIMINISHING numbers have prompted a passenger ferry firm to suspend a service between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
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Wightlink has announced it will halt its FastCat service from Friday and also reduce sailings on its Lymington-Yarmouth car ferry route.

The decision has been prompted by plummeting numbers due to the coronavirus travel restrictions.

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The company said the lockdown rules banning non-essential travel had meant the ‘loss-making services with such low numbers of customers’ were unsustainable.

Wightlink's FastCat, which runs between Portsmouth Harbour Station Pier and Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight. Picture: Tony WeaverWightlink's FastCat, which runs between Portsmouth Harbour Station Pier and Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight. Picture: Tony Weaver
Wightlink's FastCat, which runs between Portsmouth Harbour Station Pier and Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight. Picture: Tony Weaver
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Wightlink said FastCat passenger numbers have declined by 80 per cent compared to last year with the 230-capacity vessels now carrying fewer than 20 people on each crossing.

Keith Greenfield, Wightlink chief executive, said: ‘We are sorry to suspend our FastCats and reduce sailings between Lymington and Yarmouth, however we will still be able to transport all essential travellers and supplies to the Isle of Wight on our remaining services.

‘We will continue to monitor demand with a view to restoring services as soon as they become sustainable.’

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Rival transport firm Hovertravel, which operates from Southsea, has since announced it will provide more services from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight.

And in a boost for Wightlink passengers left stranded by the ferry suspension, Hovertravel’s boss said it would re-introduce its ticket acceptance scheme, allowing them to use the hovercraft.

The scheme would cover those who have pre-booked with Wightlink – including season ticket holders – and will begin from midday tomorrow.

There will be no additional fare payable and will also include use of the HoverBus for onward connections within Portsmouth.

Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, said: ‘For the Solent ferry operators the unique circumstances of this Covid crisis have challenged us all and demonstrated that co-operation is needed now, more than ever.

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‘We are proud to be offering Wightlink customers a fast ferry option for this second lockdown. Hovertravel’s commitment to supporting the communities on both sides of the Solent is as strong today in November, as it was in March.’

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