Red Funnel have written to their customers today (Thursday) with advance warning of a price rise from Friday.
Citing the impact of inflation and rising costs, from tomorrow Red Funnel are increasing their published rates across all types of travel by an average of 9.75 per cent.
This relates to bookings for vehicle ferry travel dates as of 1st January 2023 and foot passenger travel dates from 3rd January 2023.
Foot passenger ticket books and season tickets
Foot passenger ticket books will continue to be available at the current 2022 prices for all bookings placed before Saturday 31st December 2022 and will be valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Any season tickets renewed before 31st December will also benefit from the 2022 pricing.
Impact of inflation and rising costs
A spokesperson from Red Funnel said,
“Like many businesses, we are experiencing the impact of inflation and rising costs, and in recent months, have seen a dramatic rise in our overheads.
“Despite these increases, we maintained our published rates and refrained from applying reactionary surcharges. As we now enter our annual pricing review, we find ourselves in the unavoidable circumstance of having to change our rates in order to protect our lifeline service and keep our business sustainable.”
Concessionary fares
Red Funnel say that despite the changes,
“We remain committed to protecting and supporting customers reliant on concessionary fares and we will continue to offer reduced rates for Islanders attending mainland NHS appointments, Isle of Wight job seekers, Blue Light cardholders, as well as those currently claiming Universal Credit.
“Blue Badge and Disabled Persons Railcard cardholders will also see their discount rise to 25 per cent for travel originating from the Island.”
Where you can make savings
Residents can still expect to receive regular discounts and offers through the Big Book of Savings that comes through letterboxes around the Island.
In addition Red Funnel say they are extending their Island Resident offer, giving you 15 per cent off when booking travel of any duration up to 30th October 2023, with no date restrictions.
Red Funnel’s 1/3 off Black Friday sale ends tomorrow, Friday 2nd December, so if you already have some dates you know you’ll be traveling on in the future, book today.
Image: Alaur Rahman under CC BY 2.0
