The next stage of Wightlink ‘s £1.5million investment in the FastCat foot passenger route between Ryde Pier Head and Portsmouth Harbour starts on 5th January, but it means that wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters will be unable to use the service for a period of 3 months.
The cross-Solent operator says that although the timetable will stay the same, there will be changes to the way customers board the catamarans in Portsmouth, because of major structural repairs and maintenance at the terminal.
Customers will be led by members of Wightlink staff through the gates near Platform 5 of Portsmouth Harbour railway station to reach the berth by an alternative outdoor route. The current boarding ramp will be closed.
Because there are stairs on the alternative outdoor route, no prams, wheelchairs or mobility scooters etc. will be able to use the FastCats during this phase of the works. These customers are advised to travel by Wightlink’s car ferry from Gunwharf Road instead. After this phase of the work, terminal access will return to normal for everyone in early spring.
Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield says:
“This £1.5million investment in the Portsmouth Harbour terminal demonstrates Wightlink’s commitment to our FastCat foot passenger service.
“We are doing our best to minimise inconvenience to our customers and apologise in advance to passengers affected by the changes in our boarding arrangements.”
Although Wightlink’s Costa Coffee café at Portsmouth remains closed during the works, refreshments are available at the Wight Taste outlet on Ryde Pier.
