Hythe Ferry: Service set to continue until the end of March

The service, which operates between Hythe Pier and Southampton Town Quay, was set to end on New Year's Eve amid fears it was no longer financially viable.

But the proposed shutdown was suspended after a potential new operator came forward.

Passenger numbers have soared in the past few weeks - largely as a result of the Redbridge Causeway lane closure causing rush-hour gridlock on roads between Hythe and Southampton.

The entrance to Hythe Ferry, which operates from the pier (Image: Newsquest)

In the latest update the ferry's current owner, Blue Funnel, said the future of the service was still looking "very positive".

It added: "We are pretty much in the same position as the end of January, which is good news really.

"The future of the Hythe Ferry is still under review by a potential new operator with others also on the sidelines.

"These processes do take time and the current interested company continues to carry out its due diligence, which has included a survey of the pier.

"Whilst this process happens, the ferry will continue to operate throughout March."

READ MORE: Blue Funnel says Hythe Ferry to continue operating until a new owner is found

The statement added: "Our numbers continue to be helped by the roadworks. We will provide a further update as soon as we are able to."

The Hythe Ferry operates between Hythe Pier and Southampton Town Quay (Image: Alan Titheridge)

Hythe Pier Heritage Association said rush-hour delays caused by the Redbridge roadworks had given the ferry a timely and much-needed boost.

It added: "Whilst hundreds of frustrated commuters have spent an excessive amount of time in vehicles crawling into Southampton, the ferry has, as always, offered a more user-friendly and stress-free alternative.

"During January, passenger numbers showed the number of single journeys to have increased by 75 per cent compared to January 2022, with almost 10,000 recorded.

"Not all are commuters of course, but the commuter traffic during January comfortably exceeded the pre-pandemic figure for 2019.

"It is hoped that those recently taking to the water will continue to do so once the roadworks eventually finish.

"If you haven’t yet re-discovered the advantages the Hythe Ferry presents, give it a try and help secure its future."

READ MORE: Three councils reject plea to help secure future of Hythe Ferry by giving it more grant aid

Social media is awash with comments from people who value the service and want it to continue.

Hythe councillor Alex Wade said: "There is much love and support out there for our ferry. We don't want to lose this much-needed and important part of our heritage."