Isle of Wight ferry operator, Red Funnel has announced it has purchased The Hythe Ferry in order to maintain this historic service across Southampton Water.
The Hythe Ferry has a deep-rooted historical connection with the area with a ferry service operating between Hythe and Southampton since the Middle Ages.
Discussing the purchase of the Hythe Ferry, Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said:
Article continues below this advertisement “We have been operating a lifeline service to the Isle of Wight for over 160 years, and are very proud of our heritage in providing connectivity across the Solent. The Hythe Ferry is also a route of historical significance providing essential services to Solent users, and we are pleased to be able to support its future.”
Red Funnel first began its ferry service in 1861 and, during its long history, the Isle of Wight ferry operator has hosted millions of passengers, from islanders and commuters to families exploring the Isle of Wight, to celebrities and royals. Blue Funnel Ferries has operated The Hythe Ferry service since 2017.
Lee Rayment, CEO of Blue Funnel Ferries, added:
“Through Red Funnel’s purchase The Hythe Ferry will continue to serve Hythe and the Solent community.”
The Hythe Ferry offers daily sailings between Hythe and Southampton Town Quay, sailing from the end of Hythe’s historic pier, which is one of the 10 longest piers in the British Isles, and with the world’s oldest pier train.
The Hythe Ferry will retain its Blue Funnel livery for the foreseeable future.
Pity it had to be Red Funnel. Look forward to poor maintenance, cancelled schedules and extortionate fare increases.
I’m pleased Red Funnel have acquired the Hythe Ferry. I suppose now all the Isle of Wight ferry haters will now start a campaign for a fixed link direct from Hythe to Southampton – nearly as far fetched as a fixed link to the Island!
To all the regular users of Red Funnel’s latest acquisition be aware that you will be paying extortionate fares, have frequent cancellations and lame excuses as to the reasons. You have been warned!!!
That will mean the prices will double in the near future…
This is appalling, should be in public ownership,eg Southampton city council or Hampshire, not to private non UK companies making profit only for share holders and no interest in communities.
Agreed, but we had our chance when the ferry announced its problems many months ago, and, as usual, the Great British Public did s*d-all about it, only to whinge later.
To be fair on people, we have our own lives etc etc when it comes down to it what can we all do if we are so divided? People are too busy worrying about general adversity in their lives or anxiety about money I can go on but when it comes to making a stand in the way you are portraying what the ferry can we do? Naivety is in us all, but how does a naive person know their being naive?
The Hythe ferry made no profit for the previous owner – no profit , no future
Well if Red Funnel aren’t able to make a profit on it, then it’ll be the Isle of Wight ferry travellers who’ll be subsidising it.
So, Red Funnel have bought the Hythe Ferry. There are now so many nails in the coffin of ferry transport that a burial at sea will be very easy. The coffin will sink very easily!
Let’s hope the people of Hythe haven’t got high expectations!
A ferry from the middle ages? Probably be more reliable…….