The Wightlink User Group is set to hold their third demonstration on Saturday 15th July, as announced by Bronwyn Hamilton Brown.
Taking place at Western Gardens, located at the base of Union Street in Ryde, the event will begin at 10am.
For the benefit of all Islanders
The group’s aims are intended to serve not only the Island’s residents, but also their Mainland friends and family members, and future tourists.
The user group, which has swelled to over 3,000 members, is labouring towards several key improvements to benefit the community at large, including an increase in affordability and better support for NHS patients.
A focus on affordability
One of the major goals for the group is to improve affordability for ferry services. They seek to introduce discounts for Island residents on individual crossings and multi-passes.
Further, they are working towards establishing discounts for those who have family and friends living on the Isle of Wight, a move aimed at encouraging more visits and bolstering the local economy.
NHS support measures
The Wightlink User Group is also seeking to improve support for patients needing medical treatment on the Mainland. The group’s proposals include offering free fares for such patients, creating a dedicated phone line for those with pre-booked NHS appointments, and providing free parking at ferry ports for those attending appointments.
They are also working towards securing discounts for individuals visiting or accompanying relatives in mainland hospitals.
Improved timetable and services
In addition to financial relief and better support for NHS patients, the group is pressing for a better ferry timetable.
They advocate for a schedule that aligns with Mainland rail services, allows for late-night returns to and from the Island, and provides regular passage without long intervals between crossings in Yarmouth, Ryde, and Fishbourne.
Moreover, the group strongly feels that the car ferry should not be considered a viable alternative to the Fastcat.
Commitment of the user group
In conclusion, the Wightlink User Group is committed to making travel to and from the Isle of Wight more accessible, affordable and convenient for residents, their mainland friends and families, as well as tourists.
Their impending demonstration is a show of solidarity, as they strive to bring these positive changes into effect.
