The Isle of Wight's MP is backing a petition which is calling for later sailings on Wightlink's FastCat, saying the current service level is 'unacceptable'.
As previously reported by Isle of Wight Radio, a petition has been launched in a bid to re-introduce later crossings on the service between Portsmouth and Ryde.
The foot passenger sailings currently end at 8.20pm from Portsmouth and 8.52pm from Ryde.
The petition has now gathered more than 4,000 signatures.
Wightlink has said that another evening crossing could potentially be introduced, but another sailing would likely have to be sacrificed.
Island MP, Bob Seely, told Isle of Wight Radio:
“I welcome all and any pressure on Wightlink to provide later crossings between Ryde and Portsmouth.
“I have pressed Wightlink numerous times myself. Over the past few months, a number of concerned constituents have contacted me about the lack of late services.
“This situation is unacceptable."
(Picture: Wightlink's Portsmouth terminal has just undergone a £1.5m refurbishment)
Wightlink CEO, Keith Greenfield, claims that there has been an overall 32% fall in foot passengers since the COVID pandemic and said Wightlink relies 'entirely on ticket income and not on taxpayer funding', and 'services have to pay their way.'
You can read Mr Greenfield's full statement here.
Mr Seely continued:
“I want Wightlink to understand their obligations to Islanders.
“More widely, I am seeking amendments to the upcoming Transport Bill that will safeguard ferry services from the effects of industrial action.
“I am also campaigning for government to be granted legal powers to approve ferry timetables. I have discussed all of these amendments with Transport Ministers.
“Regardless of changes in government, I will continue to focus on getting a better deal for the Island; improving ferry services is an important part of this deal.”
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