Ferry Passengers for a Fair Deal

Are ferry fares to and from the Isle of Wight getting too expensive for you? Do you feel that you are getting value for your money? We don't!

We, a large group of ferry passengers, are petitioning to request an independent, government-sponsored investigation into the cost of travel and carriage to and from the Isle of Wight.

SIGN THE PETITION by clicking here! Add your comments to the petition! (Don't only "vent". . .also provide clear comments about your experience with and knowledge of cross-Solent travel!)

• The Isle of Wight also desperately needs a comprehensive review of the impact of ferry travel costs on the Isle of Wight's economy and Islanders' quality of life. We, the organisers of this petition, see the ferries to and from the Isle of Wight as a vital "utility" as much as our water, electricity and other regulated utilities are critical to our survival in today's society. By virtue of being an island, the ferries are the only viable means for Islanders, goods and business to travel to and from the Isle of Wight, barring owning and operating boats. As travel to and from the island is an extremely necessary utility, we believe that the government should conduct an immediate investigation and should consider the regulation of the ferry companies.
  
  As the petition states, the signatures and comments will be sent to the Competition Commission (that conducted the last investigation 15 years ago as the then-Monopolies and Mergers Commission), and the comments and the number of signatures will also be sent to the Office of Fair Trading (the UK's consumer and competition authority which also makes the referrals to the Competition Commission and other investigative government agencies) and the House of Commons Select Committee on Transport. The Secretary of State for the Department of Trade and Industry will also be notified of the petition.
  
• We do not know why the prices of the ferries are what we consider to be expensive; there are many legitimate reasons for why ferry operators might need to charge certain fares. We are not alleging that there is any evidence of legal or illegal misconduct by the ferry operators. However, it is our opinion that ferry prices are continuing to out-price many Islanders and regular mainland travellers and are challenging our tourist industry and other businesses. We want this independent government inquiry to consider carefully the ferry operators’ “point of view”, including circumstances that may be completely beyond their control, such as their own potentially increasing costs. We believe that the ferry operators have always desired and, in fact, depend upon a healthy island for the good of their business and the quality of life for their employees as well. It stands to reason that reaching a true tipping point in ticket fares would be detrimental to their businesses as well as paralyse the people and businesses dependent upon their services.
  
• We also want the inquiry to review the costs of cross-Solent travel compared with other similar ferry companies, but also look at all potential anti-competitive practices (which may or may not exist) used by businesses to eliminate or discourage competition. Just because there is more than one ferry operator, it does not necessarily follow that there is adequate competition or fair fares for travellers. There is a large distance between the ferry ports on the mainland and also on the island. The inquiry should review perspectives from both mainland and island foot passengers and car drivers, asking whether it is realistic to use alternative routes of ferry travel and therefore be able to choose to use other ferry companies.
  
• Additionally, we would like the government to conduct a comprehensive “big picture” study of the impact of ferry travel on the Island’s economy and lives of Islanders and mainlanders.
  
• Red Jet season ticket prices have increased year on year at 2-3 times the rate of inflation. A season ticket costs £1840 plus an optional £15 card protection scheme.
• There is no government regulation of ferry ticket prices and passengers are vulnerable to further rises imposed
• Islanders, particularly those travelling on foot, have no alternatives and are at the mercy of the unregulated ferry operators for getting off the island
• In addition, parallel increases in the cost of transport of freight and goods across the Solent can push up up the cost of living on the island
• Review the comments on the petition about what other ferry passengers have to say about Wightlink and Red Funnel.

WHAT CAN YOU DO??

• If you too have concerns about the cost of your ferry travel across the Solent sign the petition by clicking on the link on the right hand side of the screen
• All your details will be held securely and will not be passed on to anyone but the Competition Commission (a non-political branch of her Majesty's Government that investigates potential monopolies). Your comments will be sent to the Office of Fair Trading and the House of Commons Select Committee on Transport.
• Please tell us of any experiences (good or bad) that you have had with the ferry operators (e.g. customer service, level of operation, cost etc)
• Please pass this link onto anyone who might be interested