Red Funnel has announced that it is reinstating its Red Jet service, between West Cowes and Southampton, on a limited timetable from Monday 29th June.
The Red Jet service has been suspended since 18th April following a reduction in demand and the need to maintain resilience within the Red Funnel operation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to support the requirements of customers such as key workers and commuters returning to work, as well as those travelling to and from the Island in line with current government guidance, the restarted service will initially offer 3 crossings in the morning and 3 in the evening from each side of the Solent, 7 days a week.
The revised daily timetable has been determined in line with regular commuter and peak travel times, and will be as follows:
Departing Southampton (Terminal 2):
- Morning: 05:15, 06:45, 08:15
- Evening: 15:45, 17:15, 18:45
Departing West Cowes:
- Morning: 06:00, 07:30, 09:00
- Evening: 16:30, 18:00, 19:30
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, has commented:
“We are absolutely delighted to be bringing our Red Jet service back into operation having had to take the difficult decision to suspend the service back in April. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome our Hi-Speed customers and team back on board and I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly thank our customers and staff for their ongoing patience and understanding during what has been one of the most difficult times in Red Funnel’s 160 year history.
Article continues below this advertisement “The last few months have been extremely challenging for both our customers and our teams, and reinstating the Red Jet service feels like a significant step in the right direction. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming customers back on board next Monday and hope to be able to increase the service in line with the relaxing of government restrictions.”
The capacity of the Red Jet fleet will be limited to allow social distancing, and customers will continue to be encouraged to socially distance for their safety and wellbeing. Passengers are asked to take heed of new signage and markings installed on board and inside Red Funnel’s terminals. On board signage will show passengers which seats are in use to allow adequate distancing between passengers when travelling.
Face coverings continue to be mandatory for all passengers, except in specific cases of exemption, as outlined by the government.
In addition, a limited range of food and drink is now available on board the company’s vehicle ferries, and from Friday 26th June refreshments will also be available from Terminal 1 in Southampton. Food and beverages are to be consumed either on outside decks or purchased as a takeaway to be enjoyed after the crossing. The range will include hot and cold drinks, and pre-packaged food including sandwiches, baked goods and snacks.
Red Funnel’s Signature Lounge has now reopened, limited to 20 passengers per crossing. The cost of entry will be reduced by 50% to £5 per person to reflect the temporary suspension of the Lounge’s normal food and beverage offering but includes a takeaway beverage at the end of the crossing.
Fran Collins added:
“With these changes to our retail offering and our Red Jet service back in place, we expect to see changes in demand for our vehicle ferries, particularly during peak travel times as the Red Jet is often the preferred service for commuters.
“I want to emphasise that it is safe to travel with Red Funnel and that we have implemented a myriad of measures to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of our staff and passengers. I encourage customers to visit www.redfunnel.co.uk/SailSafe to review these measures ahead of sailing with us, and continue to advise that the public assess their travel needs before using our ferry services.”
Councillor Dave Stewart, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, has said:
“Our ferry operators are making enormous effort to ensure lifeline services are maintained during these very difficult times,” said Councillor Stewart.
“They have been working closely and in a co-ordinated fashion alongside our transport infrastructure board (TIB) and with the crucial support of the Department for Transport and our MP.
“The reinstatement of commuter services is a significant step on the Island’s road to recovery, not only to provide better connectivity to and from the mainland, but also to support our drive to open up the visitor economy in line with government advice.
“We are all continuing to work together to ensure a phased recovery of our ferry services, including the reintroduction of those which support our vital summer visitor economy. We want to safely show the Island is open for holidays this year.
“This will continue to involve our usual level of caution and safety for our Island community, but also to provide a recovery pathway for this crucial business sector.”
Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely adds:
“I am pleased that the Red Jet service is resuming next week, albeit on a limited service.
“I know there are many commuters who will welcome the return of the service. It’s a step forward in returning slowly to normal.
“From early July, the Island will responsibly open up its visitor and hospitality sector. This needs to be handled sensitively, but it is important for many thousands of people on the Island whose livelihoods rely on the visitor or hospitality economies.”
For the time being, the Quayconnect shuttle bus service in Southampton will remain suspended until further notice. Food and beverage services also remain suspended in East Cowes, West Cowes and Southampton (Red Jet) Terminal 2, as well as hot food on board Red Funnel’s vehicle ferries.
Fastcat -??
where is that for commuters eh– come on wightlink – stop being lazy