Minister will lead review into Isle of Wight travel services

John Hayes, the transport minister, agreed to act after those links – in particular, the running of the ferry companies – was described as a “a real danger to the Island’s economy”.

Mr Hayes said the taskforce would seek to:

• Help Isle of Wight council develop a plan to improve transport infrastructure.
• Better co-ordinate bus and train services with ferry departures and arrivals.
•  Encourage ferry companies Wightlink and Red Funnel to improve information to passengers, so they take advantage of discounts.
•  Examine the “long-term transport needs of the Island’s residents and visitors”.

Answering a Commons debate, Mr Hayes said: “It would be my pleasure to host the review.

“It would have to be done with a bottom-up approach, led by those who know best – those who deliver the services and those who know the needs of the Island.

“It is only by working together that businesses and local government can ensure that funding decisions made by central government have the relevant impact in meeting local peoples’ needs.”

However, Mr Hayes offered no clues about when the taskforce would first meet, or by when any recommendations would be made or acted upon.

The pledge came after Island MP Andrew Turner said a taskforce was badly needed to establish a “viable, long-term outcome for Island Line”, the Island’s rail services.

However, the Conservative MP stressed the biggest problem was the cost and convenience of ferries which were a “lifeline” to residents.

He said: “The ownership model of the ferry companies represents a real danger to the Island’s economy, because the ferries are small cogs in larger businesses.

“They are expected to achieve profitable growth to enhance their market value.

“However, that would burden the companies with even more debt on which interest must be paid from the fares.

“It is a totally unacceptable model for businesses with weak competition offering lifeline services.”