The new floating bridge between Cowes and East Cowes is due to start service tomorrow (Saturday 13th May) at 14:00, following sign-off by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The final sign-off has followed a period of relevant tests, commissioning and staff training. However, the real test will begin as she welcomes visitors aboard this weekend. This is an important stage as the next 2 to 3 weeks is where any final teething problems or minor issues whilst it is being used can then be dealt with prior to the official launch of the service, which will follow during June.
In addition to the new floating bridge and improvements to the slipways and footways at Cowes and East Cowes, there have been further improvements to the Saver Card system.
From tomorrow, the Saver Card can be used by all vehicles eligible to use the bridge. Whilst this is good news for regular travellers, it is recognised that they would need to ‘top up’ their cards on a more regular basis.
Therefore, the Isle of Wight Council has introduced the ability to set up a direct debit; simply decide what your monthly spend might be then visit www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk to set up your initial Direct Debit. By setting up a Direct Debit, the credit is held in your central online account so it doesn’t matter if your card is lost or stolen. For now, you need to do this manually online, but later this year we will be adding an ‘auto top-up’ facility, this will allow you to set a fixed amount that is added to your account via Direct Debit when you go below a pre-set limit on your account which is determined by the account holder.
In parallel with the Direct Debit, the Council have also introduced a ‘low balance alert email’; simply log onto www.iwfloatingbridge.co.uk and turn on the low balance alert email setting and select the amount you would like to trigger for the automated email/top-up. Each time your account balance goes below your nominated amount, the Council will automatically top-up your account via Direct Debit using same amount as your initial Direct Debit payment.
A new web app is also set to launch which will be a quick and convenient way to pay if you don’t have a Saver Card or any cash; details will released in the few weeks. This is in addition to the recent system that was launched last year, which will enabled people to buy a ‘pre-paid card’ style ticket, through the use of new self-service machines, so now users can choose the best way for them to obtain their tickets – through Direct Debit or using the pre-paid card system.
The eagerly anticipated floating bridge is 37m long and will be capable of reaching up to 5 knots and will carry a total deadweight of no less than 52.65 tonnes. The replacement floating bridge was built by Welsh firm Mainstay Marine Solutions Limited and will ensure the future connectivity between Cowes and East Cowes, for at least the next 25 years.
