Red Funnel have today announced that it is adding additional sailings to its Summer schedule to cater for increasing numbers of travellers to and from the Isle of Wight.
Between Southampton and West Cowes on the company’s Red Jet service, four additional sailings will operate on Sunday afternoons between 27th July and 31st August 2014, leaving Southampton at 16:15 and 17:15 and from West Cowes at 16:45 and 17:45. A revised timetable will be in operation on 10th August only.
An additional passenger vehicle ferry sailing will operate on Friday 25th July and Friday 22th August between East Cowes and Southampton, leaving Southampton at 20:00 and from East Cowes at 21:30.
Red Funnel has seen a marked increase in the number of people and vehicles who are choosing to travel to and from the Isle of Wight via Southampton. This trend is underpinned by an improving economy, which has seen the total cross-Solent car market increase by +2.3% for the period January to June 2014, compared to the previous year.
Jonathan Green, Marketing & Communications Director for Red Funnel commented:
“The new summer sailing at 20:00 on peak Fridays from Southampton is perfect for visitors from London etc. who live within 2-2.5 hours’ drive-time. The increased demand follows greater marketing focus in this territory over the last six months by Visit Isle of Wight and ourselves. Whilst forward vehicle bookings remain strong, we have also seen a healthy increase in the number of day trip foot passengers, particularly from overseas. The additional Red Jet sailings will shorten queue and turnaround times on summer Sundays.”
