Earlier this week (Monday), the world’s favourite hovercraft operator, Hovertravel, celebrated Disabled Access Day, welcoming 416 disabled customers over the past 12-months.
Hovertravel has proudly marked Disabled Access Day on 16th March by celebrating its continued commitment to making cross-Solent travel accessible for all.
Over the past 12 months, the operator has welcomed 416 customers travelling with wheelchairs and successfully managed 225 dedicated HoverCare assistance requests, underlining both the demand for inclusive travel and the effectiveness of the company’s accessibility services.
Hovertravel’s HoverCare scheme is designed to provide additional support to passengers who may require assistance when travelling between Southsea and Ryde. Helping with boarding and disembarking to tailored support throughout the journey, the scheme ensures that customers can travel with confidence and comfort. More information about the service can be found at: https://www.hovertravel.co.uk/hovercare/accessible-travel/
In addition to onboard assistance, Hovertravel has invested in accessible infrastructure across its terminals.
Both its Southsea and Ryde terminals are equipped with Changing Places toilets — specialist facilities that provide extra space and equipment for people with complex disabilities who need additional support. These facilities form part of Hovertravel’s wider commitment to removing barriers and improving the overall travel experience.
Head of Marketing at Hovertravel, Loretta Lale said:
“Disabled Access Day is an important opportunity to shine a light on inclusive travel and to celebrate the progress being made across the transport sector. At Hovertravel, we believe that hovercraft travel should be accessible to everyone. We are proud to have supported over 400 wheelchair users and delivered more than 200 HoverCare assistance requests in the past year alone.“Our team works hard every day to ensure that every passenger feels welcome, supported and confident when travelling with us. We want hovercraft to be accessible to all — and we will continue to invest in our services and facilities to make that ambition a reality.”
Disabled Access Day is a nationwide initiative encouraging people to try something new and highlighting the importance of accessibility and inclusion across businesses and public services.
I had to use the hover craft while using a wheelchair several years ago the staff pushed me on and off with care and politeness 10/10
Well done to Hovertravel.
Well done Hovertravel for being as inclusive as possible.
They are far from inclusive, they hide behind an old maritime law/legislation, and state that the equality act does not apply to them for this reason. wightlink and red funnel put them to shame.