Island MP Bob Seely has welcomed news that cross-Solent ferry firm Red Funnel is reviewing how it can make its fleet greener – but has also pledged to keep pressure on the company to improve its services.
Following a meeting with Red Funnel CEO Fran Collins and Chairman Steve Ridgway, Mr Seely said: “It’s great to hear about Red Funnel’s future plans for carbon-neutral car vessels, including their consideration of alternative fuels.
“I support this and I will do what I can to ensure the future infrastructure will be in place to make sure it happens, as these boats will need to be recharged or refuelled frequently.
“I am also pleased that they plan to build these boats in the UK. It would be great to see the Isle of Wight really leading the way with ‘green’ ferries.”
While welcoming the announcement, Mr Seely said he also told the Red Funnel bosses that he also wanted to see improved services.
“The recent failings on Red Jet services and the needless disruption to passengers is unacceptable. Passengers are fed up, and Red Funnel needs to do more to address this.
“Islanders need regular, reliable and cheaper ferries.
“On public service obligations, it shouldn’t be necessary for ferry operators to be pushed into public service obligations; they should voluntarily offer them. To do so would be a way of recognising their role as a lifeline service and buy them some badly needed credit with their passengers.”
Mr Seely said he continues to put pressure on Wightlink to extend its FastCat timetable saying 8.20pm is not acceptable as the last FastCat to the Island.
“Wightlink too has made an important commitment to the environment by bringing the hybrid-powered Victoria of Wight into service, but here again the company needs to do more to improve services to its customers. I accept that passenger levels are not yet back to what they were, but that is not an excuse that has been used successfully by rail operators.
“I look forward to catching up with Wightlink soon.”
