On one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Hovertravel has had to suspend its operations due to a technical issue.
Those heading across to Portsmouth for their Christmas shopping are having to change their plans and travel via Wightlink’s Fastcat service as a result of the suspension of service on Hovertravel’s Ryde-Southsea route.
It appears Solent Flyer has failed to begin operations this morning, with sister craft Island Flyer out of action for annual maintenance.
Tickets are being accepted on Wightlink’s services and an update is expected at 10:00, although there is no guarantee that services will resume at that time.
Today’s technical issues come just days after Island Echo revealed Hovertravel is seeking to cut costs – including jobs – as a result of a near 90,000 drop in passenger numbers in just 5 years.
UPDATE – Services have resumed as of 10:15.
Lower the fares and passenger numbers will improve.
A 10 minute crossing shouldn’t be so expensive
Less than $4 in New York City to travel by their
Ferries.
IW prices are a RIP off