Additional sailings are being reintroduced by Wightlink to meet an increased demand on its flagship Fishbourne to Portsmouth route.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has provided a lifeline service to and from the Isle of Wight, ensuring supplies can reach the Island and to allow key workers to travel.
However, the recent easing of Government restrictions has prompted a gradual increase in traffic and interest in bookings, so Wightlink will be introducing additional crossings on a second ferry from Monday 6th July. This will add 4 return trips every afternoon, providing an hourly service from 06:00 to 18:00, 7 days per week.
Wightlink Chief Executive, Keith Greenfield, said:
“While the volume of traffic is low, compared to what we would hope for at this time of the year, we are encouraged to see some green shoots appearing in light of the latest government announcements.
“Alongside our colleagues at visit Isle of Wight and IW Council, we are delighted to be able to share the Isle of Wight with visitors once again, as well as reunite families from both sides of the Solent. We continue to keep community and customer safety at the heart of our operation and have put in many new steps to keep everyone safe in our ports and at sea.”
Social distancing measures have been introduced in Wightlink’s ports and onboard their ferries. Face coverings continue to be mandatory for all passengers, except in specific cases of exemption, as outlined by the government. You can view Wightlink’s safety video here.
There has been no announcement about the return of Wightlink’s Yarmouth route – rumoured to be resuming on 6th July – or the Ryde Pier Head catamaran service.
For more information visit www.wightlink.co.uk/coronavirus.
i bet they are spending government support money on themselves rather than running the fast cat
We need the Fast Cats back on. People are asking for them. Our reply was we have made loses this year and the demand is not there. Seeing that people that use it also use the train and in some cases the cafe at Pier head they are also losing revenue. People buy Cat and confined train tickets also walk on Customers so they can’t see the demand like they can on the pre book Car Ferry service.
Any temperature checks being done. No. Cash before peoples lives once again.
fast cat needed we cant all access to Fishbourne forshopping trip now retail is open
Cue the ‘Let’s criticise Wightlink’ Brigade. . . .
Please start the FastCat service again. My granddaughter lives on the Island and Hover travel is ridiculously expensive for a weekend to see her Daddy on mainland (basically 1 day and Car ferry would make it a 5 hour round trip,twice) and as an escort you get no discount as you do on FastCat, plus all the other expenses to get to Portsmouth! So please please please get this service going again. Thankyou