Hythe Ferry, Southampton

[whole diary]

[bradshaw]

The ferry between Hythe and Southampton is to cease operation on New Year’s Eve.
Details below

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/23206246.blue-funnel-says-hythe-ferry-will-cease-operating-new-years-eve/

[Bmblbzzz]

It almost always seems sad to me when a ferry ceases. There's something I somehow find very appealing about them as a mode of transport, especially when they turn a long road journey into a short water trip.

[PhilWakely]

I hope that does not mean that the pier tramway will cease to operate.

[ChrisB]

The ferry company own the pier. Not sure if they own the tramway too

[johnneyw]

Replacement operator possible?

[ChrisB]

Sounds unlikely - no trade

[bradshaw]

After interest shown the ferry will continue to see if another operator will take it over
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-64124160

[paul7575]

I just cannot see it being viable if there’s no council subsidy.  The staff costs for a ferry operating 18 hours a day 7 days a week will be very high even before the direct costs of the ferry itself are considered. 

Is it a crew of 3 normally, plus there’s the pier railway staff to be paid, but it’s a few years since I did the return trip.

[Noggin]

Wasn't there a suggestion that one of the main reasons the council didn't want the railway to reopen to Hythe was to protect the ferry? If so, wonder if there might be support for reopening now?

[paul7575]

Wasn't there a suggestion that one of the main reasons the council didn't want the railway to reopen to Hythe was to protect the ferry? If so, wonder if there might be support for reopening now?

I definitely read something like that in an HCC report, but maybe 10 years or more ago. HCC were effectively against any reopening back then.

Even as recently as 2015 the latest Wessex route study was pretty lukewarm on the proposal, reporting that the business case was “not robust”.

But now all the available online info suggests HCC are very much in support. I’d still assume that they won’t be splitting public subsidy three ways, something will have to be given up…

Paul

[ChrisB]

From The BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page)

Hythe Ferry: Redbridge Causeway roadworks boost passenger numbers, says operator

Roadworks on a main route into Southampton have boosted passenger numbers on a threatened ferry service, its operator has said.

Lane closures on the A35 Redbridge Causeway have led to delays of up to 90 minutes for motorists.

Hythe Ferry operator Lee Rayment said passenger numbers had since increased by "two and a half times".

He added talks over the sale of the ferry were progressing and its future was "positive".

Redbridge Causeway serves as a link between the New Forest waterside area and Southampton, and connects with the M271.

Lane closures were put in place on Monday as part of an ongoing £25m project to deal with weaknesses in the concrete structure of the 60-year-old bridges.

Compounded by icy conditions, traffic tailed back through Totton and to Ashurst in the New Forest.

Bus operator Bluestar said it was trying to "minimise any disruption" and urged customers to allow plenty of time for their journeys.

The Hythe Ferry takes foot passengers from the Waterside straight into the city.

Mr Rayment said while the roadworks had caused misery for motorists, they had been a "godsend" for the ferry, with one boat recently carrying about 50 passengers, when it was previously struggling to get 20.

"It's been really good for us - we're almost back to 2018 levels," he added.

"We've seen new faces and some which have come back to us. It's a shame it's not like this all year round.

"Hopefully we'll hold on to some of them - it certainly shows the interest there is."

Mr Rayment announced in December he was ending the service on New Year's Eve saying, with rising costs and passengers numbers not yet recovered from the pandemic, it was no longer financially viable.

Local councils said they would not provide a subsidy to allow it to continue.

It was later announced the ferry would continue running into 2023, as there was hope of a finding a buyer.

Mr Rayment said talks were progressing with a "very interested party" about taking over the service, and the future was "positive".

The Hythe Ferry previously stopped running in December 2020 when it could not afford to resume crossings because of the impact of lockdowns and low passenger numbers, prompting a crowdfunding effort and bail-outs from local councils.

Hampshire County Council said the roadworks at Redbridge were "necessary" to deal with weaknesses in the concrete structure of the bridges and lane closures could continue into March.

[grahame]

Funnel colour change from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page)

Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel has taken over a passenger link across Southampton Water.

The operator of the Hythe Ferry, Blue Funnel, had suffered from rising costs and low passenger numbers since the Covid pandemic.

Red Funnel said it had bought the ferry to maintain the service of "historical significance".

Blue Funnel's Lee Rayment said it meant the ferry would "continue to serve Hythe and the Solent community".

[CyclingSid]

Wonder if anyone will take over the Hayling Ferry, which is at risk. The Harbour Authority wants to increase its pontoon fees 300%.

[Bmblbzzz]

Funnel colour change from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page)

Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel has taken over a passenger link across Southampton Water.

The operator of the Hythe Ferry, Blue Funnel, had suffered from rising costs and low passenger numbers since the Covid pandemic.

Red Funnel said it had bought the ferry to maintain the service of "historical significance".

Blue Funnel's Lee Rayment said it meant the ferry would "continue to serve Hythe and the Solent community".

They could merge and become Purple Funnel.

[grahame]

From Hythe pier, train and ferry group

As the chairman of Hythe Shed (at the pier) and a board member of the Hythe Pier Heritage Association, I am often asked about the latest position of both.

To clarify:-

Red Funnel now own the Hythe ferry

Blue Funnel still own the pier, buildings and rail tracks, they are still responsible for the repair and upkeep, and have an agreement with Red Funnel for them to use the pier.

Hythe Pier Heritage Association own the train. ( HPHA)

The shed volunteers at Hythe Shed (at the pier) do the restoration work on the train for the HPHA.

The volunteers also do other work for the community, usually for a donation unless we have to buy something to do the work, and make items in wood to sell.

The pier and train is an asset to the village as it brings footfall to the area for the benefit to businesses.

The HPHA have paid for the ongoing refurbishment of the station and new rails, as the wearing existing rails were damaging the wheel bearings of the train. The old rails are being cut up by the Shed and mounted and made into souvenirs for sale. The plans for the new platform have been drawn up.

The work of the HPHA and the Shed is all funded by donations, raffles, merchandise etc, and without it , it would not be possible to continue. So the community’s support is vital. If you are not a member, then join, if you would like to donate you gift would be appreciated.

The HPHA and the SHED will both have gazebos at the Village Fete.

Both will be at Rock the pier on the 15th June.

Heritage Day is set for 24th August at the Shed and Pier.