Coronavirus: Wightlink suspends Portsmouth-Ryde FastCat route

Wightlink said FastCat services would resume when passenger numbers increased

A passenger ferry service between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight is being suspended due to coronavirus lockdown travel restrictions.

Wightlink said it would halt its FastCat service from Friday and also reduce sailings on its Lymington-Yarmouth car ferry route.

It said low passenger numbers have made the service "unsustainable".

Cross-Solent operators have been co-operating to ensure transport for key workers and essential supplies.

Wightlink said FastCat passenger numbers have declined by 80% compared to last year with the 230-capacity vessels now carrying fewer than 20 people on each crossing.

The service resumed on 31 July after being suspended due to travel restrictions in place during the first lockdown.

'Monitor demand'

Lymington-Yarmouth car ferry sailings will be cut to a weekday-only two-hourly service.

Wightlink's Portsmouth-Fishbourne vehicle ferry route route will continue as an hourly service.

Chief executive Keith Greenfield said: "We are sorry to suspend our FastCats and reduce sailings between Lymington and Yarmouth, however we will still be able to transport all essential travellers and supplies to the Isle of Wight on our remaining services.

"We will continue to monitor demand with a view to restoring services as soon as they become sustainable.

Rival operator Red Funnel previously said it would evaluate use of its RedJet passenger service between Southampton and West Cowes as the lockdown continued.

When the second national lockdown came into force, Isle of Wight Council emphasised that non-essential travel to the island for holidays and second home visits should cease.

Isle of Wight council leader, Dave Stewart, said he was "disappointed" at the latest reductions to ferry services, but understood the "business decision" made by Wightlink.

"I hope that when lockdown comes to an end in December, all ferry companies will review their arrangements, ensure they are stepped up again for Christmas and have plans in place for the new year that ensures our Island is fully open for business when the time is right," he added.

Analysis

By Paul Clifton, transport correspondent, BBC News, South

These numbers are simply unsustainable. Passengers down 80%, most fast sailings carrying fewer than 20 people and, on some, it's down to single figures.

That won't even cover the cost of the fuel.

And some vehicle ferries from Lymington sail without a single car on board.

No wonder Wightlink has to take ships out of service.

These are grim times for all transport operators, but the cross-Solent ferries have always been lifeline services - utility operations disrupted only by bad weather.

But with tourism on hold and Islanders with mainland jobs now mostly working from home, business has evaporated.

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