Talks on the future of cross-Solent transport are underway amid calls for special Isle of Wight resident rates and a minimum service agreement.
Discussions, which begin today, will include the Isle of Wight’s MPs, ferry firms, the NHS, the Isle of Wight Council, Visit Isle of Wight and Solent Transport User Group’s (STUG).
The commencement of talks comes just weeks after Conservative MP Joe Robertson’s statement to the House of Commons, which said regulating Isle of Wight ferries is the ‘absolute minimum’.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously pledged to seriously consider regulation and urged Mr Robertson to bring him a proposal.
Mark Rogers, a member of Solent Transport User Group’s (STUG) committee has this week referred to “some solutions that might be acceptable to all parties” and said there would be a conclusion some time in April next year.
Bronwyn Hamilton-Brown, another STUG representative, yesterday (Thursday) shared a statement from the group which said it is the “only grassroots organisation” representing the Island.
It included several wishes such as a minimum service agreement addressing the essential need for a lifeline service, the eradication of dynamic pricing, and preferential rates for Islanders and their families, with price caps in line with train fare increases.
