Hovertravel Celebrates Disabled Access Day with Focus on Accessible Travel

Monday (16 March) saw Hovertravel mark Disabled Access Day by highlighting its ongoing commitment to accessible cross-Solent travel.

Over the past year, the hovercraft operator welcomed 416 customers travelling with wheelchairs and handled 225 dedicated HoverCare assistance requests, demonstrating both the demand for inclusive travel and the effectiveness of its services.

The HoverCare scheme provides extra support to passengers needing assistance on the journey between Southsea and Ryde, including help boarding and disembarking, and tailored support throughout the trip.

More details about the service are available at HoverCare Accessible Travel.

Hovertravel has also invested in accessible infrastructure at its terminals.

Both Southsea and Ryde terminals feature Changing Places toilets, specialist facilities offering extra space and equipment for people with complex disabilities.

These upgrades are part of the company’s wider effort to remove barriers and improve the travel experience for all passengers.

Loretta Lale, Head of Marketing at Hovertravel, said:

“Disabled Access Day is an important opportunity to shine a light on inclusive travel and celebrate the progress being made across the transport sector.

"We are proud to have supported over 400 wheelchair users and delivered more than 200 HoverCare assistance requests over the past year.

"Our team works hard every day to make sure every passenger feels welcome, supported and confident when travelling with us.

"We want hovercraft travel to be accessible to everyone, and we will continue to invest in our services and facilities to make that ambition a reality.”

Disabled Access Day is a nationwide initiative encouraging people to try something new while highlighting the importance of accessibility and inclusion across businesses and public services.

Hovertravel’s 10-minute crossing between Southsea and Ryde is already considered one of the most convenient ways to travel across the Solent.

Through continued investment in training, facilities, and customer support, the operator is ensuring that convenience is matched by accessibility.

For more information on HoverCare and accessible travel with Hovertravel, visit HoverCare Accessible Travel.