Covid: 'Commuter timetable' for Isle of Wight's Red Jets from Monday

Following the government’s recent lockdown restrictions, the cross Solent operator has announced the changes to its Hi-Speed Red Jet timetable.

They will continue to run daily, between Southampton and West Cowes, however the the service will move to a “commuter” timetable format from Monday November 16. 

The revised temporary timetable will be:

The Red Jets will also be able to carry up to five full size (non-folding) bicycles per crossing, on a first come first served basis.

Following the suspension of Wightlink's FastCat service, Red Funnel also says it will accept all pre-booked Wightlink foot passenger tickets on both its routes, from Cowes and East Cowes to Southampton.

• Covid: Wightlink Fastcats to stop, more changes at Yarmouth

Fran Collins, CEO, Red Funnel added: “As for many businesses, this second lockdown has brought additional challenges and we are doing our absolute best to ensure we make the right short-term decisions, to safeguard our long-term ability to provide a lifeline service to the Island and its communities.

"We remain deeply committed to doing everything we can to keep sailing and maintain our services. We hope these changes won’t last long.

"As we’ve done since the start of the pandemic, we’ve worked closely with the other operators and the Isle of Wight Council to ensure that the Island remains connected and supplied to, to the best of our efforts, and we look forward to resuming normal timetables as soon as we’re able.”

From Friday November 13, food and retail services in Southampton’s Terminal 1 and in the on-board Signature Lounge will close. Take-away food and drink will continue to be offered on-board the vehicle ferries.

Responding to the announcement by Red Funnel, Isle of Wight Council leader, Dave Stewart, said: "I welcome the retention of vital commuter services between Cowes and Southampton. These will be daily, hi-speed foot passenger sailings which meet the needs of most regular passengers still travelling for essential reasons.

"I cannot over emphasise how important it is for the Island to maintain good commuter services through this second lockdown. They provide a lifeline for Islanders who need to travel to the mainland for work, to attend medical appointments or attend school.

"I understand the pressures of lockdown are having a significant impact on our ferry companies, caused by reduced footfall and, like many other businesses, they are clearly reviewing their service provision.

"As a council we will continue to lobby for services to be maintained to their fullest and the Island has connectivity with the mainland in a way that provides a vital lifeline for goods, services and keyworkers."