Red Funnel has announced a new hi-speed Red Jet timetable for its West Cowes-Southampton route, offering passengers more frequent sailings during peak times, as well as extra and later departures in the evenings.
During peak commuter times Monday to Friday the Red Jet will now depart every 40 minutes, offering even more flexibility for the local community. Extra late-night crossings have also been added and will be available 7 days a week.
The new sailings will allow passengers to enjoy the most of mainland and island evening entertainment, such as Mayflower Theatre productions and local restaurants and bars. The last departure from Southampton will be 22:55, and from West Cowes at 23:35.
The new timetable will take effect from Saturday 21st August.
Fran Collins, Chief Executive at Red Funnel, said:
“We want to make sure our services reflect the changing needs of our passengers, so we’re delighted to share our new Red Jet timetable. With more people returning to the workplace and entertainment venues opening back up and expanding their offerings, we’ve noticed a greater demand for our key commuter crossings, as well as our evening ferries. We always strive to give customers confidence in our services, as well as the flexibility to match their lifestyle, so we hope this comes as very welcome news.”
During peak commuter times in the morning (Monday to Friday) the Red Jet will depart every 40 minutes between 06:15 and 10:15 from West Cowes, and every 40 minutes between 05:35 and 09:35 from Southampton. During peak commuter times in the evening (Monday to Friday) the Red Jet will depart every 40 minutes between 16:55 and 19:35 from West Cowes, and every 40 minutes between 16:15 and 18:55 from Southampton.
The updated timetable will be available here https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/en/isle-of-wight-ferry/timetables/.
I think the ferries are pretty stupid, just have a look at the times, visitors to Island can get a ferry back at to Southampton 23:35. so are the ferry companies prejudiced against Islanders.. as we have to return at 22:55.
So Islanders if go across to say an event, they have to leave the event early just to be able to get the 22.55 ferry back.. WHY, I have never known, can they not run until say 01:00, so Islanders can enjoy an evenings entertainment on the mainland and still get back ?
Similar with Wightlink and the Hover, unknown why at least one of them cannot run during the night ? Also earlier in the morning to get early trains
Probably not enough demand that late. Mostly empty boats equals losing money and that money has to be made up elsewhere. Staff are not cheap.
Last one of night prob from island due to where moored overnight.
You have always got the car ferry option running through the night.