The three main Isle of Wight ferry routes (Portsmouth - Ryde, Southampton - Cowes and Lymington - Yarmouth) are an essential strategic link for mainland connectivity. Unlike most railways where there are several road alternatives, the ferries have virtually no competition (apart from each other) due to the fact that no fixed road or rail link exists across the Solent. Any disruption caused by adverse weather, technical faults or greedy last minute cancellations to minimise financial losses has an adverse impact on the island community, with residents cut off from visiting the mainland and goods vehicles unable to deliver essential items. At least if the ferries were nationalised, the operators would be able to focus on providing an essential public service rather than just trying to profiteer off one another.
As for integration with the National Rail network, through ticketing already exists, but more could be done to ensure connections between train and ferry are optimal with no scenarios where the ferry arrives 5 minutes after the train departs. Having the ferries operated by NR (branded as Sealink) would enable this, with connections shown in National Rail timetables.
I personally believe in an era when the franchised railway is moving over to the GBR model, it would make sense to have the IoW ferries included as these are nationally important links which unlike most railway lines have no practical, alternative mode of transport.
As for integration with the National Rail network, through ticketing already exists, but more could be done to ensure connections between train and ferry are optimal with no scenarios where the ferry arrives 5 minutes after the train departs. Having the ferries operated by NR (branded as Sealink) would enable this, with connections shown in National Rail timetables.
I personally believe in an era when the franchised railway is moving over to the GBR model, it would make sense to have the IoW ferries included as these are nationally important links which unlike most railway lines have no practical, alternative mode of transport.
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