Hovertravel has announced a further reduction in its evening services, with changes to the timetable set to take effect from 17th February 2025.
The final weekday service from Southsea will now depart at 6.45pm, with a slightly extended schedule during the summer months allowing a last departure at 7.30pm.
Slow cutting of services
The last Hover from Southsea at the moment is 7.40pm.
In 2023 it was 8.30pm, but prior to Covid the last Hover from Southsea was 9pm.
Review prompted by declining passenger numbers
The decision follows a detailed commercial review undertaken by Hovertravel in December. The company gave several factors driving the review, including a “continued decline in numbers travelling across the Solent since the pandemic,” challenging economic conditions and recent Budget measures.
This review involved all staff across departments, with input from unions, to assess the sustainability of the current service.
Adjustments to evening timetable
As a result of the review, the weekday timetable will now begin with the first service departing Ryde at 6.30am, with the final service leaving Southsea at 6.45pm.
Weekend services will remain unchanged in the morning, but the final departure from Southsea will also be at 6.45pm.
Hovertravel’s summer timetable, starting on 7th April, will extend the last service to 7.30pm in the evenings.
Flexibility for special events
Hovertravel has assured customers that it retains the ability to add extra services during the day should demand increase. The company also confirmed its commitment to providing additional services for key events such as Victorious Festival and Portsmouth home football matches.
Details of these additional flights will be made available on their website.
