In collaboration with ferry operators Wightlink and Red Funnel, the Isle of Wight’s MPs Richard Quigley and Joe Robertson have announced a new initiative that will see young Islanders receive free ferry travel.
As part of the scheme, every young Islander who is registered to vote – by being on the electoral roll – will receive a free return foot passenger ticket, on their 18th birthday, from both Wightlink and Red Funnel.
The tickets are valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
Richard Quigley MP has welcomed the initiative, recognising the financial challenges that ferry travel can present, especially for young people who may have had limited opportunities to travel off the Island.
Richard says:
“When I first set up my office, one of the things I was passionate about was celebrating the milestone of turning 18 for young constituents. I initially wanted to do this with a personal letter, but I also wanted to make it something special. I’m grateful to both Wightlink and Red Funnel for working with me to bring this idea to life.
“Whether the tickets are used for a job interview, visiting family, or simply a day out, I hope this initiative makes the mainland that bit more accessible for young islanders.
“We all know there’s much more to be done when it comes to ferry services, but I look forward to hearing how young islanders use their free journeys and the
opportunities this small gift might help unlock.”Article continues below this advertisement “I hope this encourages all young islanders, no matter their political persuasion, to register on the electoral roll and engage in the democratic process”.
Fran Collins, Chief Executive of Red Funnel, has said:
“At Red Funnel, we’re proud to support young people as they take their first steps into adulthood. This initiative, brought forward by Richard Quigley, MP, is about more than just a ferry ticket. It’s an invitation to get out and explore, embrace personal development, and access opportunities in education, work, and culture beyond the Island.
“We’re thrilled to support this wonderful scheme and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the lives of young islanders.”
Katy Taylor, Chief Executive of Wightlink, adds:
“We’re proud to support this important initiative, offering every 18-year-old on the Island a free return crossing as part of our Wightlink in the Community programme. This builds on our partnership with the Isle of Wight Youth Trust and our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for young people through initiatives, support and sponsorship.”
Oh Wow,.. one free foot passenger return…
So, who is paying for this??
(you can bet the Ferry companies won’t let it make any dent in their profits)
I think it’s really nice for them to give an 18th birthday present to all of the Isle of Wight’s young people,.. very generous of them…
but let’s have a little break-down of the numbers involved in this…
Population of IOW ~ 140,000 (2021 census)
% of population who will turn 18 in any one year ~ 0.9% (2021 census gave 3.5% population in age range 16-19 [4 years]. Assuming each year group 16.17.18.19 Yos is roughly even therefore ~ 0.9% for each age year group)
So, number of people who turn 18 in any one year ~ 1200
Split between Wightlink & Red Funnel,.. =~ 600 ‘free’ tickets for each company.
Wightlink carry 4.3 Million passengers annually (Wightlink)
so, even if these ‘free’ tickets are given by Wightlink that 600 ‘free tickets is only ~0.01 percent of their annual number of ticket sales…
Wow, that is sooooo generous of them
Quigley: “…this small gift might help…”
Yep… (on behalf of Wightlink & Red Funnel) it certainly is…. (a very small gift)
Well said. Vast majority of Islanders are excluded from the silly offer. As the ferry companies well know. Didn’t I hear you could get a free ticket if your 107th birthday falls during a Leap Year? lol.
Cheaper fares for everyone would be a better option.
I get nothing ,So for the ridiculous amount of money live been paying over time , I think it’s disgusting,they should be regulated,overpriced and for no reason at all there’s nothing special about it ,
Good the free ticket lasts 1 year, they might get a trip in within the timescale judgeing by the constant cancellatiins
Ooops, should it be 16 given todays news 😉
Trying they’re best to get the 16 and 17 year old new voters they’ve just created on their side for next election. Unfortunately for them it’s the young generation that were born with their eyes open to this ludicrous government we have.
ageist drivel
where is the free ticket for hitting 21/40/65/100
On our politicians making us feel so grateful for nothing it doesn’t mean