A new £1 million fund to improve accessibility for disabled and reduced mobility passengers on ferries to the Isle of Wight has been launched by the Department for Transport (DfT).
From today (1st October), operators like Red Funnel and Wightlink can pitch projects that will help elderly and disabled people travel with confidence on the vital transport links connecting them to the mainland. This funding was initially announced as part of the government’s National Disability Strategy and reinforces its pledge to improve the network for everyone – no matter the mode of transport.
Bids can either be for equipment, such as wheelchairs or accessible ticket machines, or building works like ramp levelling or the installation of Changing Places toilets. All ideas will be considered, so long as they are geared towards improving accessibility.
Accessibility Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said:
“These ports provide vital connections to the islands of the United Kingdom and it is imperative that they are accessible to all.
“We look forward to hearing some innovative and life-changing ideas as we take another step towards creating a fully inclusive transport network.”
Ferries from the Isle of Wight to the mainland provide vital connections for around 140,000 residents and are crucial for businesses and tourism. There is currently no expectation this funding will be repeated, so the government is urging operators to come forward now to support this important initiative.
Isle of Wight MP, Bob Seely, said:
“I’d like to thank the Minister and his department for creating this fund that will make it easier for passengers with reduced mobility to travel on Isle of Wight ferries.
“Our ferry services are an essential service. It is really important that all passengers can use them.
“I know that cross-Solent operators already have some measures in place to assist passengers with reduced mobility, but this will help them to improve their services to the benefit of both Islanders and visitors.”
Bids received will be assessed on the number of passengers likely to benefit from the improvements and value for money. Applicants are asked to provide a supporting letter from local disability charities or individuals, as well as 3 quotes to ensure good value is being obtained.
The government’s National Disability Strategy is already underway – with a nationwide audit of all train stations to drive up standards, the urgent rollout of tactile paving on platforms, grants to improve bus services and new laws to ensure proper support in taxis and private hire vehicles.
This follows the ‘It’s everyone’s journey’ campaign, launched in 2020 to champion equal access across all forms of public transport and encourage people to be more considerate and supportive of others when using the transport network.
Sounds a bit communist to me, why do these companies need government money?
First thing to consider would be to run a reliable service…..
Wait, is this satire?
Tunnel fiasco out the door then, maybe put the money they have in the hat towards the new ramp and disabled scheme
Private companies should be doing this anyway from their profits not with our money.
I thought businesses already had to provide good access and facilities for disabled people and I honestly didn’t think they could do this with Government (public) money?
I would be disappointed if any of the ferry companies admitted their access and facilities for disabled people weren’t already up to standard and that they had to claim Government money to make them acceptable. And, if they need updating, why wouldn’t they already be doing that at their own expense for their passengers?
Always wondered why Isle of Wight does not have its own ferry, to get to mainland. Surely it must have had at some point.
How about cheaper fares for ALL islanders who have been resident here for more than 5 years. Not hard to check these days is it. Stop ripping us off.
Red funnel need to replace all the lifts on ferry’s as they are always out of action booked ferry yesterday for Wednesday and it came up that if you need to use a lift on board to let them know last week I went over and both lifts were broken so what are you supposed to do ring them and see which ferry has a working lift and wait for that one time they sorted them out