The Department for Transport has announced that £1million of funding is to be provided to cross-Solent ferry operators to improve accessibility.
It’s said that the funding will improve access to services for passengers with disabilities, although the full details about how Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel will use the money has not yet been revealed.
The pot of cash will be shared with ferry operators serving the Isles of Scilly.
The funding is part of a wider £2.5million package to support disabled people to travel more confidently on the transport network as it reopens after COVID. This includes £1.5million allocated to support 13 Mobility Centres across England roll out a ‘Hubs Mobility Service’.
News of the funding boost comes in the same week that Wightlink has suspended its Fastcat service due to a mechanical breakdown, and Red Funnel has extended its 1-boat Red Jet service due to delays in repairing the aging Red Jet 4.
Bob Seely MP has said:
“I am really pleased that Wightlink has secured a grant from the Government’s Maritime Accessibility Fund to improve cross-Solent travel for passengers with reduced mobility.
“I am grateful to the Minister and the Department for Transport for accepting this bid. Passengers can now travel with confidence.
Article continues below this advertisement “Our ferry services are essential services and Islanders use them every day to access vital healthcare services on the mainland, so it’s vitally important they are accessible to all passengers.”
Well, Wightlink Are not exactly coming out of the disabled access issue smelling if rises at present. What is the current restriction at Portsmouth Harbour at present? Oh yes, originally 3 months and now 6 months with NO disabled access for the Fastcat!
You can bet they will be holding out both hands for this free money though!
There is no mystery regarding how the money will be spent, it will all end up in the shareholders pockets
how about they improve services for able bodied customers, who are discriminated against, by being made to pay a higher ticket price than someone who says they are disabled. This able bodied discrimination must end – all people are supposed to be equal, so that means everyone pays the same ticket price, whether disabled or not.
Are you a moron? Disabled access is limited on both fastcat and ferries. I’m sure that disabled people would like to be equal, that is, having full use of all their body and faculties and being able to access everything that you can! Isle of wighter I have another name for you
so, despite disabled charities and disabled people demanding to be treated equally, you are now saying that disabled aren’t equal – you cannot have it both ways, just to get a discount.
I’m saying that disabled people would like to use their legs etc like you do! They are not equal, and thereby the grace of god go you. Perhaps you’ll get your just desserts and find out what it’s like.
Yes absolutely everyone should be treated equally, and I am more than happy to full price for my child if they are able to access exactly the same facilities as able-bodied people…….THIS IS NOT THE CASE !!!!! So at this point in time no disabled people are not treated equally. Before you shout equality Try accessing places in a wheelchair or using walking aids and see what difficulties you endure.
you are accessing the same facilities – use of the boat to travel across the solent – you should pay the same price as able bodied as that is equality.
Obviously you have never have or cared for someone with a disability. Access to any transport is difficult on a daily basis. I know first hand as a mum and a carer what difficulties my child endures on a daily basis. Sort your life out and I hope that you never have to endure what we have to on a daily basis you ignorant person.
do not demand equality for disabled people, then expect to be treated differently on price then. You are either equal or not and that includes price.
Yes, very true.
If anything, disabled people ( but not children ) should be charged extra, as they take up more space.
Talking about space, why are there know disabled astronauts, as this may even be an advantage, being zero gravity etc.
It’s not about cheap tickets it’s about access .unless you get some morbid pleasure in watching people struggle
They will spend a few thousand on some ramps and pocket the rest in bonuses. Part of the UK bread of oligarchs.
Scrap the useless ferries, build a tunnel so people do not have to book queue or pay extortionist rates to get across the Solent…plus a tunnel should always be open !! Cross anytime, day or night. Experience some of the night life on mainland and still get home !!
These ferries are the biggest con going !!
Just buy the ferries and run a proper regular, backed up, service.
The pot of cash will be shared with ferry operators serving the Isles of Scilly ?.Have we changed our name ?
Why are we the tax payers coughing up for this?
multi million pounds profits and we’re funding your schemes which you will no doubt take credit for when done:(
I think bigger ferries, hang on maybe P&O ferries can step in and help or a bigger Hovercraft , Also disabled tickets on wightlink need a BLUE BADGE .
Having used the ferry twice last year with friendly disabled son it is a night mare.
Had to dismantle parts of wheelchair to just get in the lift. Going back lift out of order.
2 nd crossing no lift available so had to stay in our vehicle. When we were able to get out despite constant requests to leave soace they parked cars immediately behind us so we couldn’t gain access to get back in so of course the ferry is then held up having to wait for us to clamp wheelchair down safely before they can board other vehicles.
If stuck in your car no access to drinks or toilets and of course no discounted price…why would anyone be upset?