RED Funnel has made changes to its Red Jet weekend timetable following a consultation with passengers.

On Saturdays from April 7, the first sailing from West Cowes to Southampton will now be at 6.15am (previously 6.45am) with subsequent sailings at 7.15am (previously 7.45am), 8.15am, and then xx.45 and xx.15 until 7.15pm, 8.15pm, 9.15pm, 10.15pm, 11.15pm, 12.15am.

On Sundays from April 8, the number of return sailings increases from 18 to 27. The service from West Cowesstarts at 7.15am, followed by 8.15am, 9.15am, and then xx.45 and xx.15 until 6.15pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm, 9.15pm, 10.15pm, 11.15pm.

The new timetable will mean that Red Funnel will operate more weekend passenger-only sailings than any other cross-Solent route.

Kevin George, Red Funnel’s chairman and chief executive, said: “These additional sailings are part of a £13 million investment in the Red Jet service which includes the Isle of Wight-built Red Jet 6 and Red Jet 7 which arrives this July.

"The new timetable will enable visitors to enjoy more time on the Island and benefit from day return fares which start from as little as £10 for adults and £5 children.”