profile

Better Services For Wightlink Users

STUG & Solent Transport Infrastructure Forum

Published 3 months ago • 1 min read

Dear All,

A belated Happy New Year to you!

Our news for 2026 is that we have been included on the Solent Transport Infrastructure Forum being chaired by Brian Johnson. We look forward to having a real discussion and say in cross Solent transport.

We have also had an initial meeting with Fran Collins and Neil Chapman from Red Funnel, we are hopeful that this relationship will be as fruitful as the one with Wightlink. We have dates for regular meetings throughout the year.

Lastly, some news on the Yarmouth/Lymington route is included with this WL press release (below).

There have been a few other recent successes, not least parking charge changes on Ryde Pier. My apologies for not sending more regular updates.

WIGHTLINK PRESS RELEASE 14 January 2026

Wightlink announces major expansion on its Lymington to Yarmouth route

From April 2026, the ferry company will be running a three-boat service on the route during periods of traditional high demand – meaning an additional 868 sailings compared to its 2025 timetable.

The announcement is a response to greater customer demand and emphasises Wightlink’s commitment to the route.

The increase in sailings, a rise of over eight percent on last year, will also reduce pinch-points in availability at high demand periods meaning more opportunity for travel as well as providing more capacity for Multilink users.

The extra sailings will be delivered by utilising all three Wight Class ferries on the route at the busiest travel times, typically Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays when the three-boat service will see departures from Lymington and Yarmouth every 40 minutes at peak times.

By the end of March 2026, all three boats serving the route will have fully refurbished passenger lounges and an enhanced retail offering in addition to their full annual maintenance programme. This further demonstrates Wightlink’s commitment to running a reliable, safe and customer-focused service.

Wightlink CEO Katy Taylor said: “We have listened to customers asking for additional sailings and more flexibility. The enhanced timetable and investment in our fleet reflect our commitment to growing the route both for Islanders and crucially, to bringing visitors to the Island. Importantly, it also expands options for Islanders and our Multilink users.

“Additional sailings will support our strategy to grow visitor numbers to the Island which will be underpinned by a significantly uplifted advertising spend throughout 2026 to promote the Island as a leading UK destination for holidays and day trips.”

Best wishes

Bronwyn, Mark, Nigel and the committee at STUG

Richmond House, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 1JD
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

Better Services For Wightlink Users

The Wightlink User Group is an independent organisation advocating for improved cross-Solent ferry services that better meet the needs of commuters and travellers. We are committed to ensuring fair and equal access to transportation across the Solent.

Read more from Better Services For Wightlink Users

HOME NEWS ABOUT Dear Solent Transport User, As you may know, RF provide extra crossings to accommodate football. We have asked if they would consider extending this so we can go to the theatre and return home at a sensible time. For those of us that have Facebook, we have recently published an online poll to record the level of interest there would be for Red Funnell to introduce later sailings to accommodate Island resident's attendance at mainland events such as the theater. If you have...

16 days ago • 1 min read

HOME NEWS ABOUT Dear Stug Supporter, If you can all recall, after the meeting in Cowes, last Spring, with the Maritime minister, it was suggested that we would be invited to a group with the DfT, focused on cross Solent transport. Since then, things have been very quiet, despite our repeated requests for updates. This past week there has been movement. We are now invited to a group, which will meet monthly for six months. This group aims: ‘To explore and address key issues affecting car and...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read

HOME NEWS ABOUT Many of the committee attended the Wightlink Forum on 22nd October. Some of the things discussed: Sunset Flyer hours have been improved/extended for winter (until end of December). You can return to the island between 6pm and 9am with this ticket . The cost has been reduced to £80 return. We have had assurances that staff will be on hand to help with luggage, push chairs etc on the Fastcat. The management are acutely aware how difficult it can be, they are hoping and trying to...

6 months ago • 1 min read