The Hythe Ferry has been saved from extinction.
Isle of Wight Ferry operator Red Funnel has announced it has purchased the ferry in order to maintain the historic service across the Solent.
The Hythe Ferry has a deep-rooted historical connection with the area with a ferry service operating between Hythe and Southampton since the Middle Ages.
READ MORE: Southampton Marcel Wochna inquest: Live updates from day four
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.
In the past few months, passenger numbers have soared by around 40 per cent, largely as a result of the daily gridlock caused by lane closures on the Redbridge Causeway.
Discussing the purchase of the Hythe Ferry, Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said: "We have been operating a lifeline service to the Isle of Wight for over 160 years, and are very proud of our heritage in providing connectivity across the Solent. The Hythe Ferry is also a route of historical significance providing essential services to Solent users, and we are pleased to be able to support its future."
READ MORE: Southampton doctor who didn’t wash his hands suspended
Red Funnel first began its ferry service in 1861 and, during its long history, the Isle of Wight ferry operator has hosted millions of passengers, from islanders and commuters to families exploring the Isle of Wight, to celebrities and royals. Blue Funnel Ferries has operated The Hythe Ferry service since 2017.
Lee Rayment, CEO of Blue Funnel Ferries, added: "Through Red Funnel’s purchase The Hythe Ferry will continue to serve Hythe and the Solent community."
The Hythe Ferry offers dozens of sailings a day from the end of Hythe’s historic pier, which is one of the ten longest piers in the British Isles, and with the world’s oldest pier train.
The service, which was previously operated by White Horse Ferries, is used by shoppers, commuters and Saints fans attending games at St Mary's.
The Hythe Ferry will retain its Blue Funnel livery for the foreseeable future.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel