Cowes Floating Bridge - Current Operations

Current Operations

The ferry operates 365 days a year, normally for around 18 hours a day between 05:00 to 00:30, although starts slightly later on Sundays. There are regular crossings at around every 10–15 minutes, however as it is a continuous service, there is no formal timetable produced. Public transport connections are available on both sides by Southern Vectis bus route 1 in Cowes and routes 4 and 5 in East Cowes linking to Newport and Ryde. Annually, the floating bridge transports around 1.5 million pedestrians and 400,000 vehicles. At certain times of the year the ferry is unable to operate as it goes through an annual refit. During this time a foot passenger ferry is operated, however the only alternative for vehicles is to travel along the River Medina and cross at Newport.

As of August 2008 onwards, the one-way toll for a car, van, tractor, or motorcycle and sidecar was set at £1.50. Motorcycles are £0.90. Foot passengers and cyclists may cross for free. Books of tickets are available giving discount to regular users of 20 for £17.50. In 2009 the Isle of Wight Council were planning to reduce the discount given through the scheme. The decision was however reversed due to the impact this would have on residents and visitors. From April 2010, due to a large deficit in the Isle of Wight Council's budget the standard one-way toll at £1.50 is set to be increased to £1.80.

The tidal nature of the River Medina can periodically restrict operations of the floating bridge during times very low tides. In September 2007 exceptionally low tides caused by a full moon resulted in the river being too shallow for the bridge to operate. Similarly in 2003 the ferry was left stranded on the banks of the East Cowes side of the river as the tide decreased due to difficulties with a vehicle disembarking the vessel, leaving it grounded. It was then unable to move until the next high tide later on in the day.

Due to the Isle of Wight Council Budget Cuts in 2010, the Isle of Wight Council is considering charging 50p each way for pedestrians, cyclists, car passengers, and pillions on the floating bridge. As of January 2011, the East Cowes Town Council passed a resolution about the floating bridge and residents have been calling for a public consultation on the floating bridge regarding a financial barrier to cross the 70 metres (lowest tide) to 140 metres (highest tide) could affect the local economies of the two interdependent towns. Town Council members and residents have been citing potential ticket collection slowing the frequency of service, costs too high in respect to the low annual wages on the island and additional traffic congestion through Newport if cars with passengers drive around through Newport. The River Medina traditionally has not been bridged with a fixed-link bridge in order to allow yachts and barges carrying goods to pass up river to the rest of the island. The last charge for pedestrians ended in 1992 and was 10p (which in 2011 is equivalent to 16p).