New foot passenger service will start on 5 November, two years ahead of planned launch date
By
Rebecca Gibson |
UK operator Scoot Ferries is to launch a new passenger ferry service between Portmsouth and Cowes on the Isle of Wight on 5 November.
Scoot Ferries, which already runs a service between Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and Lymington in Hampshire, originally planned to open the link within the next two years. However, the company will now launch the service this year following ‘overwhelming’ public demand and the successful operations during the Cowes Week sailing event this August.
“To be able to launch our Cowes to Portsmouth route so far in advance of our original plans is testament to how hard our team has worked over the last four months – and we hope to keep exceeding the expectations of everyone who stands to benefit from our improved transport links to and from the Isle of Wight,” said Zoẽ Ombler, CEO of Scoot Ferries. “We launched Scoot with the aim being to offer greater opportunities for island residents in particular, whether for business or pleasure, and hope we can rely on the continued support and backing of everyone on both sides of the Solent to ensure we deliver on this promise.”
Scoot Ferries’ 41-passenger, high-speed catamarans will operate between the Millennium Pontoon on The Town Camber at Portsmouth International Port and dock at Trinity Landing in Cowes. Crossings, which will last less than 35 minutes, will operate from early morning until late every day of the year. The ferries will offer climate-controlled areas with full suspension seats, space for bicycles and dogs, and onboard wifi.
A complimentary shuttle bus will link the new ferry service with the Bus and Rail Interchange at The Hard and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. This will make it a popular commuter service for island residents who previously had to travel to Portsmouth via Southampton, or head to Ryde to connect with a ferry to Portsmouth.
“The new service to Cowes is the perfect fit for Portsmouth International Port, adding a link to a new destination on the Isle of Wight and even more flexibility for regular commuters wanting to get to and from the mainland,” said Martin Putman, port manager at Portsmouth International Port. “We are delighted that Scoot has the confidence to bring the service to life two years early, backed by high levels of demand.”