Virgin boss Branson asked to buy Wightlink

WELL - if his ferry service is as good as his Scottish Train Service, I think I'd prefer Wightlink

Also, to Steve Jones, I congratulate you on finding Wightlink's service good and their timings accurate. But surely you must realise that you are somewhat in a minority regarding your praise of them?? The Island-wide dislike of Wightlink's monopoly is hardly news,and the good experiences of one man do not make a compelling argument for believing otherwise. And although you make a good point about the discounts available via season tickets, the prices still remain high even with the discounts, effectively preventing most people from using the ferry on a regular basis. If you were unemployed and receiving £140 per fortnight, would you still defend the pricing of £180 per month, or over £1500 per year?? The ferry is not just for those commuting for work, it is the only viable transport link to the mainland for people of every background and financial status, and I know that many people consider it impossible to leave the Island on a whim, instead saving money to afford to t

There seems to be an enormous presumption on the part of many here that Richard Branson and Virgin taking over Wightlink would lead to an improvement in the pricing structure. Even if this ill-conceived plea were to be successful, Virgin has not made itself into an international brand by cutting prices and charging less. Plus the assumption of any purchaser will be that if Wightlink can get away with charging these prices, so can they. And at what point did Cllr Dupre suddenly decide it was his remit to decide the fate of IOW transort for us all, without any discussion or referrendum on the matter?
And as for those advocating a fixed link, you would invite the eventual demise of the Island's unique character as we become more over-spill housing areas for Southampton and Portsmouth. Whilst not arrogant enough to want to keep 'riff-raff' off of the Island (the 1800's are over, BTW), I do want to see us retain our unspoilt countryside that creates the tourist industry we all rely on.

I don't know why Wightlink get this negative comment. I use them all the time and find them to be one of the most efficient companies I have ever come across. Most ferries are on time and on and off loaded incredibly well. The service is very frequent. If you buy islander multi passes the prices are OK. If Branson bought them he'd probably re-brand the boats, put in red and grey upholstery and up the prices. By the way I don't work for Wightlink but all I can say is keep up the good work.

Mmmmm.....be careful what you wish for!!!!!!!!!

How can the Wightlink Spokesperson say the islanders are not held to ransom. Wightlink seem to have the monopoly on ferries along with Hover travel and Red Funnel, how else are we gonna get to the mainland? Rubber dinghy? Or maybe a tunnel linking us to the mainland. For gods sake Wightlink wake up and smell the coffee. If all your passengers decided to boycott your service for one whole day you would be set to lose a lot.
Hopefully Richard Branson will take this proposal seriously. Give Wightlink a run for their money

This would most certainly be a better move than the present arrangement.
Maybe even Serco or Stagecoach group should buy it or even Jargalinga as they just deal in ferries and the sort of crossings we have here.
Come on Andrew Turner stand up to this lot at Wightlink and get rid of them.
Maybe Wightlink should be split up into idivigial companies so that the Islanders could have a real say in how it is run/
Otherwise it's a bridge or tunnel.

Great idea, I travel on Virgin Trains and Virgin Atlantic and I can't find fault with either of them.

I doubt it'll happen though, too small for him.

At last a man from the real world who is likely to give value for money ,its just what the Island needs someone with a fresh look at what is keeping the Island in the backwoods of life.

Any views or opinions presented in the comments above are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the Isle of Wight County Press.