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Wightlink's FastCat Is BACK For First Time In 2021

Wightlink's FastCat returns today (Thursday) for the first time since last year.

The Ryde to Portsmouth route has been suspended since December due to 'low foot fall' during the pandemic.

According to Wightlink’s CEO, currently, only around 15 to 20 per cent of the normal foot passenger volumes are crossing the Solent, using the other two crossings currently in operation.

But at the start of the month (April) an ‘uplift in demand’ led to Hovertravel changing its social distancing measures onboard flights, as exclusively reported by Isle of Wight Radio.

Keith Greenfield says because of an “agreement” with the Isle of Wight Council and the Government they had to choose which firm could continue to operate and provide “life-line services” during the pandemic. Hovertravel was chosen.

He says the reason the FastCat can be reintroduced this week, is because of hopes that visitors are expected to return to the Island for the summer season.

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