Bob Seely MP said: “I’m delighted that Wightlink has agreed to extend their FastCat service to include late-night sailings at 21:20 and 22:45 from Portsmouth and 22:00 and 23:10 from Ryde from 27 March.
“The return of these sailings is something that I have fought hard for because I know these services are important to Islanders, especially to those who work in or near Portsmouth and struggle to catch the 20:20 service back to Ryde.
“I would like to thank Wightlink for listening and responding. There have been numerous conversations, phone calls, letters and emails between us over recent months. I’m glad this has resulted in a positive outcome for Island commuters and visitors. This is a great result. I would also like to thank those individuals and campaigners who have also pressed Wightlink on this issue over recent months.
“Islanders deserve regular and reliable services that get them home quickly and safely. I welcome these changes.
“I also welcome the additional hourly daytime sailings Wightlink have committed to in their new timetable, these are valuable. I’m keen to encourage them to keep this level of service operating year-round.
“Before Christmas, Wightlink advised me that they would address the concerns I raised about the lack of connectivity between some ferry and rail services on the Lymington-Yarmouth route.
“Many Islanders rely on these services so I am grateful for the changes they have agreed to implement there too.
“From 27 March onwards, we’re going to see improved connectivity on the Lymington to Yarmouth route, an improved daytime service on the Ryde to Portsmouth route and the return of late-night FastCat services. This should improve cross-Solent journeys for many Islanders.”
