As new national lockdown restrictions come into force, Red Funnel has answered a number of questions customers may have about the impact to its ferry service.
The cross-Solent operator has moved to offer clarity for those travelling to and from East Cowes/Cowes and Southampton.
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, has said:
“We have continuously adapted our operations in line with the latest government guidance and have consistently taken the necessary actions to keep the Island connected and supplied, all while maintaining staff and passenger safety.
“To those who need to use our services in accordance with government restrictions during this impending lockdown, I want to assure you that it continues to be safe to travel with Red Funnel. We’ve gone to great lengths to implement enhanced safety measures across every area of our business and our team continues to make safety our very highest priority. Conversely, I implore those who do NOT meet the criteria to travel with us right now, to please do the right thing, and stay home, stay local and stay safe.
“Our flexible options for deferring existing bookings and making amends is there to ensure anyone with disrupted travel plans has the option to rebook with ease and even choose their new travel dates in weeks or months to come. We appreciate cancelling holidays or deferring visiting with friends and family can be difficult news to bear, but we’ve been through this before and we will get through this again.
“We all have to stay the course and stay resilient – and that’s exactly what we plan to do at Red Funnel.”
1 – Will there be any restrictions on who can or cannot travel via ferry?
Yes. The government has outlined valid reasons for travel from today (5th November), which can be found here. The government has also issued clear guidance that the public should NOT travel for the sake of taking holidays or visiting second homes. Red Funnel say that abiding by the new travel restrictions remains an individual, civic responsibility.
2 – Can I travel via ferry to take exercise or enjoy a day trip? (Even if I stay outdoors?)
No. Travelling via ferry for this reason is NOT permitted as outdoor exercise can be sought more locally without having to travel on a ferry.
3 – Can I travel via ferry to go shopping?
No. Travelling via ferry for this reason would NOT be permitted as shopping should be limited to shopping for “basic necessities”. As these goods can reasonably be obtained locally, without having to travel on a ferry, taking the ferry for the sake of a shopping trip is not OK.
4 – Will there be any immediate changes to the scheduled vehicle ferry timetable?
No. The new pre-Christmas timetable comes into effect from Tuesday 3rd November through until 20th December 2020.
5 – Will there be any immediate changes to the scheduled Red Jet timetable?
No, not right now. However, it is possible that Red Funnel may need to scale the timetable back to a ‘commuter’ service, similar to the first lockdown. This would mean offering a set of crossings in the morning, and another set in the evening.
6 – Will Red Funnel continue operating its freight services?
Yes. Red Funnel is wholly committed to ensuring the steady flow of goods to/from the Island and keeping the Island connected and supplied.
7 – Will there be any immediate changes to passenger capacity on board Red Funnel’s vessels?
No. Passenger capacity will remain unchanged. Maximum capacity on the vehicle ferries is currently capped at 350 passengers (39% of the normal capacity of 895) and Red Jets are capped at 148 passengers (53% of the normal capacity of 279).
8 – What should customers do if they have an upcoming booking and need to cancel / delay travel due to the lockdown and travel restrictions?
Customers can amend their booking to a new date with no added administration or penalty fees, although a difference in base fare cost may apply. Customers are also able to place their booking ‘on hold’ and take until 31st March 2021 to decide when they wish to travel and make a booking for any time in 2021. Customers who do not wish to rebook or receive a credit can learn more about their options here.
9 – Is Red Funnel bringing back its ‘stay in vehicle’ sailings (where ALL passengers must stay on the vehicle decks)?
At this time, no. ‘Stay in vehicle’ exemption service will continue for vulnerable passengers travelling for medical reasons, or passengers who need to quarantine. For full details on how this service works including how to make a request, click here.
10 – I am a Red Jet Season Ticket holder – what options do I have to pause my ticket if I’m not going to use it due to travel restrictions at this time?
In response to the current government guidance around travel, and in particular, working from home if you can, Red Funnel fully recognise that you may not be using your Season Ticket at this time and the company will enable you to put it on hold. If this applies to you and you need assistance to ‘freeze’ your ticket, send an email to [email protected].
Red Funnel simply repeats, parrot fashion, that which we know to be the current requirements by the Government. Shifting all responsibility for its own inaction in allowing everyone with a second home, kayak on his car roof, or tons of kiddies in the back desperate for a nice holiday in a safe place as the last, so called, lockdown was awful in the Home Counties with only the horses for entertainment, and no Nanny because Mummy and Daddy got her shipped back to where she came from after her work permit documents didn’t quite add up. Ferry companies make me sick. If they ain’t telling us how great they are by waving around awards which they have made up, they are knocking down popular local pubs and destroying homes. They tell us we should be grateful for keeping us safe whilst, ironically, inform us they cannot police their own vessels. And all the time fleece us for millions of pounds a year. If I was a harbourmaster I would love to give any official IW ferry a berth…. A very wide one!