A new group has met for the first time to begin tackling transport issues across the Isle of Wight.
The newly formed Island Transport & Infrastructure Forum brings together key players from across the Isle of Wight’s transport sector, alongside representatives from health, tourism, business and the wider community.
The group’s mission is to support economic growth, promote sustainable transport and enhance quality of life by helping to shape long-term improvements to the Island’s transport systems.
One of the Forum’s first tasks will be to contribute to the development of the revised Island Transport Plan, which is currently open for public consultation. The Forum aims to provide a consolidated and inclusive response to the Isle of Wight Council during the consultation period, ensuring the final plan reflects a broad range of perspectives and supports a sustainable future.
While the Forum is not currently responsible for ferry pricing or service reliability – matters being addressed by a separate Department for Transport working group – it will monitor developments closely. Members also intend to explore other pressing transport challenges and identify major opportunities for improvement.
Transparency and inclusivity were key themes at the inaugural meeting. Participants agreed to involve the Isle of Wight’s 2 Members of Parliament and local councillors in future discussions. They also committed to issuing a public statement after each meeting to keep the community informed.
Dr Daniel Ruiz, Chair of the Forum, has said:
“We know how vital transport is to everyday life on the Island. This Forum is about bringing people together to find practical, long-term solutions that work for everyone.
Article continues below this advertisement “By listening to a wide range of voices and working collaboratively, we can help shape a transport system that supports our economy, our environment, and our communities.”
Yet another useless forum. People clearly have to much time on their hands. The ferry companies do not listen to these forums. They dont listen to the council. They don’t even listen to the government. They are privately owned companies that can do as they please as long as it’s legal. Even with their questionable tax dodging practices. There is, and only ever will be 1 solution to the ferry scandal. A tunnel. If you like the idea or not it is the only genuine solution to the problem. Anything else is kicking the can down the road.
The ferry companies have held the folk on the island to ransom for to long high price unreliable service.
A tunnel is the answer!
What is the actual point then if they are powerless to change anything. The 2 ferry companies won’t listen to anyone, still one of them might have gone bust by then end of september.
is this aimed at Wightlink and Red Funnel, I am interested to know how they can dictate to a private limited company what they can do with their business. A business that could shut down any time it wanted too.
correct -they are “for profit” businesses and if they get dictated to, they can simply shut up shop and clear off… the reality is though, any attempt at regulating them, will come with a hefty price tag. You want more services – they will say “no one travels at those times, so we cant afford to run them – you give us taxpayer cash and we can help, no cash, no deals”
I note that we are not being told, either here or in other media, who exactly the “key players” are. And who is Dr Daniel Ruiz?
To discuss transport or even health without integration of the ferries is pointless.
If this forum is to gain any credibility it needs to start shaking the tree immediately, and in ways which produce reaction within our torpid and self-satisfied ferry operators (I don’t include HoverTravel in that description).
Just another excuse for a free lunch and a p*ss up,
nothing will be achieved.
These people can talk the talk, but they can’t walk the walk.
Time to build a bridge or Tunnel.
Personally I would just extend Ryde Pier another few miles,
Therefore people can drive, cycle or walk to the mainland.
Just add an opening in the middle so when large ships need
to go through the Bridge can open.
It wouldn’t cost the earth to extend and the Ferries could be used
just to transport goods to the island.
Everyone can use the extended pier.
Job done.