An Island Echo reader from Newport has called for a ‘Get Us Home’ policy to help Islanders left stranded by cancelled ferry services.
Island Echo always welcomes letters to the editor, which may of course not reflect the views of the publication and its staff.
Letter to the editor – Monday 19th October 2026
We as Islanders are urgently being asked to share our views on the serious issues affecting our ferry services, including reliability, timetabling and ticket prices.
Article continues below this advertisement I urge everybody to complete the 2 public ferry surveys being conducted by Joe Robertson MP and the Solent Transport User Groups (STUG).
These surveys are an opportunity to put forward practical, realistic solutions to the problems we face. The findings will help inform discussions involving the Department for Transport, ferry operators, local MPs and other representatives.
I have written to the Department for Transport and received replies, making it clear that refunds and apologies are simply not enough. Our ferries are an essential lifeline. Unlike many other forms of transport, Islanders have no alternative way of crossing the Solent.
One of my suggestions is the introduction of a ‘Get Us Home’ policy.
If a ferry is cancelled, passengers should receive dedicated customer service assistance or clear online guidance explaining their alternative travel options.
Article continues below this advertisement Wightlink and Red Funnel should consider coordinating their timetables, particularly during the evenings and late at night, so passengers have a realistic opportunity to travel to another port and catch an alternative crossing.
Where passengers have to purchase a ticket with another operator because of a cancellation, the additional cost should be refunded. Similar arrangements were made during the COVID pandemic, demonstrating that cooperation is possible.
Such a scheme should also apply to significant daytime disruptions, particularly where delays threaten hospital appointments, employment commitments or onward travel connections.
We also need greater accountability. A compensation scheme similar to the rail industry’s Delay Repay system should be introduced, covering cancellations, significant delays and reasonable additional expenses such as taxi fares.
Where passengers are offered a foot passenger crossing because no alternative car ferry is available, arrangements should be made for vehicles to be left securely and collected at a convenient time, without additional charges.
This would allow Islanders to return home to meet work, family and pet care responsibilities rather than being forced to stay overnight on the mainland.
Hotel accommodation should remain available, but only as a last resort.
I understand that the Government and ferry companies are not currently prepared to discuss regulation or business models at these meetings. However, that should not prevent meaningful improvements being made now.
Islanders deserve a ferry service they can depend on. When things go wrong, getting people home should be the priority, not simply offering an apology and a refund.
Jo Smith
Newport
