Isle of Wight residents slam Red Funnel ferry crossing cuts

The high-speed Red Jet service runs between Southampton and West Cowes

Passengers have criticised cuts to a foot passenger ferry service that will see late-night crossings stop earlier.

Under new timetables from 3 January, the last Red Jet ferry to the Isle of Wight will depart from Southampton at 22:30 GMT, with the final departure from West Cowes changing to 23:05.

Red Funnel blamed the decision on reduced passenger demand.

Currently, the last Red Jet leaves Southampton at 23:10 and West Cowes at 23:45.

The vehicle ferries take about one hour to cross the Solent, while the Red Jet takes 28 minutes

Isle of Wight residents have argued earlier crossings meant those hoping to attend concerts on the mainland would no longer be able to get home.

But the company said people could still catch vehicle ferries, which run from Southampton until 23:55 and East Cowes until 01:30.

The walk from East Cowes to West Cowes takes about half an hour and includes a floating bridge with a £1 charge.

Red Funnel said it also planned to adjust the Red Jet timetable on Southampton FC match days.

'Uncaring attitude'

Richard Pollard, who has lived on the Isle of Wight for five years, said he felt the company had an "uncaring attitude" towards the island's residents.

"I cannot think why anyone would agree with this decision to make the last sailing of the Red Jet so early, particularly at the weekend.

"It affects both sides of the Solent - those visiting the mainland who will need to curtail any activity to fit in with this new timetable and also those travelling to the island for a night's entertainment," he added.

Another Isle of Wight resident told the BBC she believed there was a big issue with the "lack of connectivity" for locals, with ferry services becoming increasingly reduced.

But Leanna Lakes, Red Funnel's operations director, said demand for late-night crossings had dropped off "substantially" since 2019.

"We apologise for any inconvenience these adjustments to Red Jet timetable may cause," she added.

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