Overhaul of ferry fares includes free child travel

The new measures come into effect from 24 October

The Isle of Man's ferry operator has announced a number of measures to make its services more affordable, including making tickets for children under the age of 16 free.

The changes to Isle of Man Steam Packet Company fares will come into effect on 24 October, to coincide with the publication of the firm's 2025-26 sailing schedule.

The measures also include a 10% reduction in flexi fares, except during the TT period, making private vans bookable online, and an extension of the published schedule to mid-May 2026.

Managing director Brian Thomson said the firm believed the changes would "make fares more affordable, accessible and transparent to everyone”.

The shake-up will also see rates for driven and unaccompanied freight vehicles brought into line, which could see a 30% reduction on current fares for individual freight customers.

'Significant step forward'

Mr Thomson said the firm was "committed" to listening to customer feedback to shape services so they have a "positive impact on the social wellbeing of the island" and support economic development.

Last month, the firm announced that it would make discounted fares available to passengers until the point of departure.

The raft of measures follow a survey and focus groups on passenger experience, and the ferry-operator said it expected to release further improvements over the course of 2025.

Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan said the move represented a "significant step forward".

The measures "strike a balance between ensuring the Steam Packet remains profitable and able to run without government subsidy", while recognising the firm has a "part to play in delivering broader benefits for our community and economy", he said.

Mr Cannan added he had set out a commitment in June that the government would work to "leverage its ownership of the Steam Packet" to ensure transparent pricing, and thanked the firm's board for its work over the summer to "deliver on this".