Red Funnel is continuing to encourage the public to heed the government’s latest advice to consider their options before using public transport.
In addition, the cross-Solent operator says passengers should self-asses before using its services at this time. This includes:
- Working from home where possible
- Shopping locally, and less often
- Considering other forms of transport before using public services
- Avoiding peak travel times and routes, as these are the busiest
These recommendations are in line with the latest government guidelines for safer travel. More details, including up to date guidance on face coverings, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#public-transport
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, says:
“We know that in many instances, especially when it comes to meeting up with friends and family, Islanders and those living on the mainland alike frequently need to cross the Solent.
“In these instances, we trust that our customers have used their best judgement in assessing their travel requirements, and we continue to encourage them to follow guidelines for maintaining good hygiene practices and social distancing whilst on board and at our terminals. We also remind all passengers about the requirement to wear a face covering on our services as mandated by the government.”
Red Funnel continues to monitor the latest government advice and is ensuring it adapts its operations and travel guidance to give customers the best possible service.
Fran continues:
“I’d like to assure our customers that it is safe to travel with Red Funnel. We’ve gone to great lengths to implement enhanced safety and social distancing measures across every area of our business and our entire team is adamant that safety remains our very highest priority.
“We also recognise that some customers who haven’t used our ferries recently may feel a degree of anxiety about coming back on board, so we’re doing all we can to ensure our customers know they’re in safe hands with Red Funnel, and that they can relax and feel at ease when sailing with us.
“Our new Sail Safe video was created with this in mind, and I hope everyone due to travel with us soon takes a moment to check it out and see what we’ve put in place to protect our customers, our staff and the Isle of Wight.”
“…Considering other forms of transport before using public services”
Bicycle perhaps?
or maybe take a running jump from the end of Ryde pier?
You’d have thought that the operator of a virtual monopoly would be aware of the lack of “non-public transport” options available for getting off the island.
Maybe they meant swimming and balancing a bag on your head?
A bit too late to announce to holiday makers all the rules and regulations they SHOULD abide by. People, especially mainlanders tend to be selfish at best, arrogant at worst, today at work there we so many obviously not islanders over here, no social distancing, openly bragging about coming here for a weekend at the 2nd home. The ferry companies put all this on here to make themselves look good. You can guarantee if there is a 2nd spike NO ISLANDER would be allowed to travel to the mainland for a jolly weekend.
Can Red Funnel make a clear statement about whether it Is possible to remain in one’s vehicle for the crossing? Despite their comments about safety and cleaning, I for one will not be travelling if I have to use the steep staircases that are bound to be Covid hot spots or the toilets which simply cannot be risk free. Please give a clear, accurate, and straightforward statement on this issue based on scientific evidence.
Then don’t use the ferry if not essential, ie hospital appointments!
Red Funnel are taking it upon themselves to restrict travel to
Red Funnel have taken it upon themselves to restrict travel to and from the island when we can freely travel as far as we like within England. Come back Wightlink give us some reasonable options. On the route they are currently running they make it very clear when you can stay in car which seems to be on most sailings. Red Funnel do not allow this although when I travelled recently one passenger remained i their car whilst the rest of us were not allowed this option…infuriating
The red funnel is there to supply a transport service,to and from the isle of wight. That’s all, period! They are not there to offer me or tell me anything,unless I ask for it! Why do these companies, including supermarkets and shops think they can order us around,and we will pay for it!?