Wightlink has issued its first public response to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s promise to consider regulating Isle of Wight ferry prices.
The ferry company’s Chief Executive, Katy Taylor, set out the company’s position in a statement issued this week.
Wightlink stresses the ferries’ importance to Islanders
Ms Taylor began by acknowledging just how much the service means to the Island. She said,
“Ferries are lifeline services for the Isle of Wight, and we recognise how important reliable and affordable ferry travel is for residents, businesses and the wider Island economy.”
The company points to rising costs
The Wightlink boss then turned to the financial pressures bearing down on the business. She said,
“Like many transport businesses, we face significant cost pressures, including rising fuel costs, increases in national insurance and business rates, the introduction of the Government’s emissions levy and broader increases in operating costs, while continuing to provide reliable, year-round services.”
Most Islanders pay less than the headline fare, says Wightlink
Ms Taylor argued that the standard fare does not tell the whole story for most passengers. She said,
“Many Island residents already travel using discounted and fixed-price products, and analysis shows the average Islander fare is around £39 per crossing for a car and up to seven passengers.”
Talks with Government and MPs due soon
Wightlink now plans to sit down with ministers and Island MPs in the near future, Ms Taylor confirmed. She said,
“We will soon meet with the Department for Transport and stakeholders, including Isle of Wight MPs, through the Cross Solent Transport Group to discuss the challenges facing ferry services and what more can be done to support Islanders and help drive economic growth on the Island.”
She closed by pointing to the company’s wider approach. Adding,
“Our focus remains on working constructively with Government, local partners and Island communities to continue improving services.”
How we got here
Andy Burnham made his pledge this week after Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson pressed him directly in the House of Commons.
Joe Robertson asked the Prime Minister to create regulatory powers that would let the Island control ferry prices, rather than leaving them in the hands of private operators.
Andy Burnham told Joe Robertson to bring him a proposal and promised to look at it seriously, pointing to his experience regulating bus fares in Greater Manchester.
What happens next
The Department for Transport’s roundtable meetings on ferries start later this month.
Those sessions will give Wightlink, Island MPs and other stakeholders their first formal opportunity to discuss the issue since the Prime Minister’s comments.
