VB Reader Adam Manning has written in with his concerns about the shock news that Hovertravel have had their service suspended by the MCA due to ‘safety concerns’. It gives an interesting insight into the view of a regular Hovertravel user.
I think I may have been the last passenger to board a Hovercraft tonight (depending on the report you read on if the services were suspended at 1800 or 1830)
No signs
I just crept onto the 17:45 from Southsea as they were just closing the barrier. There were no signs in place or anything in the body language or suggestions from the staff that they knew anything was up at that stage. Unfortunately I did not see if the 1800 from Ryde was being boarded as I disembarked.
I have noticed the press release Hover Travel have issued at 20:23 on their website. No mention has been made thus far as to commitments to season ticket holders after tonight. A concern is a letter which was issued to Season Ticket Holders on 16th November (This past Wednesday). It is a classic good news bad news sandwich.
No more Wightlink replacement
The bad news was:
Hovertravel Cancellation Policy – launching ‘Cancellation Repay’
I have attached a photograph of this letter to this email (links at the bottom of this page). (of concern is the back, the 2nd photograph)
It outlines how from Monday 21st November Hovertravel will be offering credit for travel & complimentary vouchers for Hovertravel services and would not be transferring passengers to Wightlink Services. This letter was signed from Neil Chapman the Managing Director.
Concerns
My concern is two fold.
- First of all from Monday, I assume there is no agreement in place for transfer of customers to Wightlink, meaning us season ticket & pre paid ticket holders will have to purchase our own tickets for Wightlink transport from Monday. This will be a massive inconvenience, especially as we do not know when services are due to be resumed. Do we gamble on a weekly ticket or take it day by day for instance or is the suspension likely to be longer. What is Hovertravel’s position on this matter, will it be offering advice before Monday morning to assist us passengers?
- Secondly, this is all a bit ‘convenient’ that this will come into effect from Monday, a mere two days after this suspension? Did Hovertravel suspect they would be unable to operate services for a while as early as the 15th/16th?
I think these questions need answering and hope your position in the press will assist with getting them answered.
Kind Regards
Adam Manning
Copies of Wednesday’s letter
Hovertravel letter issued on Wednesday, side one (opens in new window, then click on it for larger view)
Hovertravel letter issued on Wednesday, side two (opens in new window, then click on it for larger view)
