Red Funnel has received a grant from the Department for Transport as part of its new Maritime Accessibility Fund.
Following an open bid process which called for ferry operators across the Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly to apply, the cross-Solent ferry company has been granted just over £296,000 to make important upgrades to the accessibility of its services.
What is planned
Upgrades to support accessibility to the Red Funnel fleet are due to start imminently and will take place during each vessel’s regular scheduled annual maintenance throughout 2022. The work will focus around key areas including:
- The creation of more designated accessible seating
- Upgrades to emergency signage on board and improvements to each vessel’s PA system
- The installation of push button, self-closing, automatic sliding doors across its vehicle ferries, to give easier access for all passengers
- Upgrades to all vehicle ferry terminal toilets
All upgrades are designed to offer passengers an improved service, whatever support they need for travel.
Collins: Funding help us focus on upgrades to our services to improve the experience
Fran Collins, Chief Executive at Red Funnel, said,
“Our service is depended on by both Island residents and mainland visitors, all of whom travel for many different reasons and with different needs, so we continuously look at ways to improve our facilities and meet the requirements of all those who travel with us.
“The Maritime Accessibility Fund grant will help us focus on upgrades to our services to improve the experience for passengers with disabilities or accessibility needs, and further enhance similar tasks already planned for this year.”
Courts: Committed to help people to travel with confidence
Robert Courts, Maritime Minister, added,
“This funding will tangibly improve access to this life-line ferry link, which is vital to keep communities linked with the mainland.
“We are committed to help people to travel with confidence as we continue to build back from the pandemic.”
About the Maritime Accessibility Fund
The Maritime Accessibility Fund has been launched by the Department for Transport as an initial one-time opportunity for Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly ferry operators, designed to support the accessibility of ferry travel.
An initial funding pot of £1million was made available to ferry operators through an open application process, with grants awarded to successful applicants.
News shared by Eloise on behalf of Red Funnel. Ed
Image: vitor camilo under CC BY 2.0
