The Island’s MP Andrew Turner has welcomed the announcement by Red Funnel of discounted tickets for hospital and hospice patients and their visitors who make repeated trips across the Solent.

Mr Turner said that it was just one of the positive outcomes of his submission to the Office of Fair Trading last year, which was supported by over 9,000 Islanders, businesses and organisations. Although the OFT decided in October against launching a full investigation into the cross-Solent operators it highlighted a number of issues that the ferry companies needed to address. As a result more performance and price information is being published, the companies’ web-sites are being updated so that it is clear which crossings are cheaper and as part of the commitment to improved customer service, patient and visitor concessions will be made available for the first time.

Mr Turner said :
“I am very pleased with this announcement from Red Funnel which means that people who need to travel repeatedly across the Solent for health reasons, and their visitors, can receive a 25% discount on fares. I know that Wightlink are also working with staff at St Mary’s on a comparable scheme and I look forward to an announcement on that in the future.

Islanders are dependant upon the ferry services and the OFT recognised that. Now that more information is being published any future investigation will be very much easier. Red Funnel, Wightlink and Hovertravel are looking at how they can best meet the needs of their customers, and this is a demonstration of that. I would like to congratulate everyone who has been working hard to bring this new scheme into place.”

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808