A petition demanding the Government intervene to secure ‘affordable’ and capped ferry fares for Islanders has been signed by over 2,500 people.
Retiree Mike Williams, 67, and self-employed learning consultant Jo Williams, 60, initiated the Change.org appeal, which calls for a state-underwritten fare model, in protest at what campaigners describe as the ‘Island Tax’.
The Cowes residents said ferry fares represent an avoidable and significant additional cost for residents accessing jobs, healthcare and family, not faced by mainland communities.
Ferry company Wightlink in response said it understands how important affordable and reliable cross-Solent travel is for those living on the Isle of Wight and told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it has offered Mr Williams a meeting with its CEO to discuss his feedback.
Mr Wiliams, who has lived on the Island for 23 years, said:
“There was real hope in 2024 when regulating ferry companies was being considered. That option was later abandoned, while new pressures could push fares even higher.
“Governments of all colours have struggled to resolve the Isle of Wight’s structural transport disadvantage. Our ferry services are a lifeline, not a luxury.
“We are not asking for handouts. We are proposing a practical and financially credible approach that uses government backing to help deliver affordable fares for Island residents.”
He added that it is time for government to work with industry to secure a sustainable solution that benefits all parties.
The petition’s ‘market-based intervention’ involves government negotiating with ferry operators to ringfence dedicated capacity for Island residents annually.
Tickets would be sold directly by the companies to Islanders at an agreed, capped and affordable price, with government guaranteeing to cover the cost of any unpurchased ringfenced capacity at the end of each year.
A Wightlink spokesperson said:
“Wightlink understands how important affordable and reliable cross‑Solent travel is for Island residents. We recently announced 868 extra sailings between Lymington and Yarmouth to give people more choice and flexibility, and we operate the highest number of sailings of all cross‑Solent operators.
“Ninety-two per cent of journeys made by Islanders are at a discounted or fixed rate.
“We offer a range of concessions for resident travel including Multilink passes, Solent Saver booklets and 50 per cent off fares for NHS patients, capped at £35 per leg, when travelling for mainland healthcare appointments.
“We work closely with customer groups and, through constructive engagement with the Solent Transport User Group and our Meet the Team events, have introduced several improvements for Island residents.”
They cited the fixed-price Sunset Flyer fare, more capacity for fixed-price Multilink tickets and the option to add two additional passengers to vehicle passes.
Red Funnel has also been approached for comment.
A link to the Williams’ petition can be accessed here: Introduce a Government-Backed Scheme to Make Ferry Fares Affordable for IOW Residents.
