Traveller drop and costs drive Hovertravel review

Hovertravel said it would be talking with the RMT union about its plans

The firm behind the cross-Solent hovercraft is looking at how it could cut costs due to a drop in passengers and "challenging economic conditions".

Hovertravel runs between Southsea and Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

It said a review would see the timetable and staffing across all departments looked at "to identify cost efficiencies to ensure a sustainable future".

The firm, established nearly 60 years ago, said since the pandemic it had seen a "continued decline" in numbers travelling on its craft.

In a statement, it said "ongoing challenging economic conditions" along with measures announced in the recent budget were also a cause for the review of its operation.

It said it was working with the RMT union, with more information set to be shared once consultations and reviews had been completed.