After OnTheWight broke the story of the soon-to-launch Better Ferry Campaign yesterday, we got in touch with managers at Wightlink for their reaction to the campaign video.
Luckily they were able to view the Better Ferry Campaign footage before it was removed and gave us this response.
A spokesperson for Wightlink told OnTheWight yesterday,
“We watched the online video from the Better Ferry Campaign with interest but did not recognise its portrayal of cross-Solent ferries in general and Wightlink in particular.
“We operate 48,000 crossings a year and carry almost five million passengers, a survey in summer 2013 found 80 per cent of customers rated our service as excellent or good, 70 per cent of those who expressed a preference said Wightlink was their favourite cross-Solent operator.
“We receive no public subsidy. However, we have invested almost £60million over the last five years in new ships and port facilities. We offer special fares to customers from the Isle of Wight.
“Consultation with our customers is important to us. We regularly engage with Islanders through ferry user groups, meetings with councillors and organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce and events such as Meet the Managers.
“We give £350,000 of support to Island charities, arts groups and individuals each year.”
Image: Colin Boswell who appears on the campaign launch video
