Wightlink has confirmed that it WILL suspend its FastCat catamaran service between Ryde Pier Head and Portsmouth Harbour after Christmas Eve.
As previously reported by Island Echo, it had been suggested that the service would cease to run at Christmas because of the anticipated decline in passenger numbers.
The cross-Solent operator has confirmed this afternoon (Tuesday) that very few customers are now using the service and therefore a complete suspension will come into force from the end of 24th December.
In addition, due to falling demand Wightlink’s Fishbourne-Portsmouth car ferry will become a 2-hourly service from Monday 4th January 2021 carrying freight, key workers and others whose journeys are permitted under the latest regulations.
Wightlink’s Yarmouth-Lymington route will continue as a 2-hourly service connecting the Island (Tier 1) and the New Forest (Tier 2), where different regulations apply.
Keith Greenfield, Chief Executive, says:
“We are sorry to suspend the FastCats and to reduce the frequency of sailings on our Portsmouth to Fishbourne car ferry route. We know this will be an inconvenience to some essential travellers.
“As a private operator, we need to minimise our losses and not run services with insufficient demand especially after this difficult year. We recognise that many customers are restricting their travel in line with the Government’s Tier 4 regulations and we fully support them in their decision. We will keep the situation under review in the New Year and, should demand increase, we will be ready to add extra sailings at short notice.”
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Takeaway cafés currently open on ferries and at the ports of Portsmouth, Fishbourne and Lymington will continue to sell food and drink to customers, which is permitted under regulations for all tiers
Wightlink’s ticket acceptance arrangements with Hovertravel will continue until Sunday 31st January 2021. Customers with Wightlink tickets and passes now have no need to book in advance.
