An ‘uplift in demand’ has led to Hovertravel changing its social distancing measures onboard flights.
But there is still no sign of Wightlink bringing its Ryde to Portsmouth FastCat back into service to help meet the increasing footfall.
Hovertravel has been allowing Wightlink passengers to travel on its hovercrafts as part of a ticket agreement during the pandemic.
Now, with Government restrictions easing and no FastCat return in sight, the firm has had to adjust its health and safety protocols to ‘mitigate the risks’ that come with the ‘rising demand’.
Queues at Hovertravel in Southsea
Hovertravel says ensuring a continuous flow of passengers on its crafts is safer than having a lower capacity onboard, and allowing a build-up of people in and around terminals.
The assessment was carried out following the publication of the Government’s Roadmap, and took into account the following:
- The current level of infection
- The take-up of vaccines
- The downgrade of the NHS emergency alert level
- The customer behaviour at the end of the last two lockdowns
- The risks associated with our complete journey from arrival to leaving our premises
A spokesperson for Hovertravel said:
"Our passengers’ and our staff’s safety are our number one priority and, even before the pandemic, we had a safety-first culture.
"We have operated throughout the national emergency, throughout all three lockdowns and during the tiers period, each time taking the steps necessary to mitigate the risks.
"Our dynamic approach to the constantly changing external conditions has been communicated to our customers clearly, and with empathy."
However, the firm says it will try to make arrangements should passengers want to travel on a less busy flight.
A spokesperson added:
"We understand and appreciate that customers, whether they be travelling with us for the first time in a year or our regular commuters, may be cautious about the changes the roadmap is bringing.
"We are listening to our customers and over 99.9% are happy with the approach we are taking. We urge any customer that if they feel uncomfortable at any stage of the journey, to ask to speak to a Team Leader or Duty Manager. If they wish to travel on a less busy flight, they will be able to help."
Wightlink has repeatedly told Isle of Wight Radio that demand doesn't yet warrant the return of its FastCat service.
Asked whether rising footfall on Hovertravel would force its hand, the ferry firm did not wish to comment.
Wightlink says there is still no return date for its FastCat.
Meanwhile, Red Funnel's Red Jet expanded its sailings yesterday (Tuesday) following the easing of Government restrictions.
The firm says 'many' Islanders travelled over to Southampton for day trips, and more than 100 passengers used its Quayconnect bus service.
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