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Near 10 Per Cent Price Hike On Isle Of Wight Red Funnel Sailings

It'll soon cost even more to travel to and from the Isle of Wight via Red Funnel after the ferry firm announced it was hiking its prices by nearly 10 per cent.

The changes will apply to vehicle ferry sailings from January 1, and January 3 for foot passengers.

All types of travel through the operator will be go up by an average of 9.75 per cent.

The ferry firm said rises are "unavoidable" and have been done to make the business "sustainable".

A spokesperson said:

"Like many businesses, we are experiencing the impact of inflation and rising costs, and in recent months, have seen a dramatic rise in our overheads.

"Despite these increases, we maintained our published rates and refrained from applying reactionary surcharges.

"As we now enter our annual pricing review, we find ourselves in the unavoidable circumstance of having to change our rates in order to protect our lifeline service and keep our business sustainable."

Foot passenger ticket books will continue to be available at the current 2022 prices for all bookings placed before December 31, and will be valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Any season tickets renewed before that date will also be able to use 2022 pricing.

The ferry firm said it continues to offer reduced rates for Islanders attending mainland NHS appointments, IOW job seekers, Blue Light cardholders, as well as those currently claiming Universal Credit. 

Blue Badge and Disabled Persons Railcard cardholders will also see their discount rise to 25 per cent for travel originating from the Island.

Alongside this, all Island households will continue to receive regular discounts and offers through the Big Book of Savings.

The Island Resident offer is also being extended to any duration up to October 30 2023, with no date restrictions.

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