The Wightlink User Group has announced its final demonstration of the year, scheduled for Saturday, 17th August.
The event will take place at Ryde Roundabout at the bottom of Union Street near Pier, from 11am to 12pm. This demonstration aims to raise awareness for their ongoing campaign as they look towards 2025.
A growing movement
Since its inception just over 18 months ago, the Wightlink User Group has garnered significant support. The group now boasts over 8,000 supporters across its Facebook page and website.
This grassroots volunteer organisation says it has already achieved several notable successes. They say among these are substantially reduced fares for NHS travel, extended evening catamaran services, and the establishment of a dedicated NHS travel phone line.
Research and advocacy
The Wightlink User Group has also conducted four research-based reports that focus on accessibility, health, young people, and the lived experiences of service users.
In addition to their research efforts, the group collaborates closely with Isle of Wight MPs Richard Quigley and Joe Robertson, as well as a select group of county councillors.
Looking to the future, the group is in the process of becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC). This move will establish the group as a legal entity, allowing it to push more effectively for a Competition and Market Authority (CMA) investigation.
National support and long-term goals
The group’s advocacy efforts have extended beyond the Island. They have met with two members of the House of Lords to discuss the challenges faced by Islanders and are seeking to bring their concerns to a national audience. Plans are underway for a visit to Parliament, where they will aim to press their case with the Secretaries of State for Transport, Health, and Business.
In the short term, the group is focusing on achieving fairer fares, improved timetabling and reliability, and a fully transparent pricing structure.
Their ultimate goal remains the regulation of the ferry service, either through legislative means or by pushing for nationalisation.
Looking back: Past demonstrations
The group’s previous demonstration on 6th July saw attendance from Labour MP Richard Quigley and Green Party Spokesperson Vix Lowthion. The event received media coverage at the time, further raising the profile of the group’s cause.
For more information about the Wightlink User Group and their ongoing efforts, visit their Wightlink User Group website.
Article edit
3pm 13th Aug 2024 – Reference to 2023/25 now corrected
