#SayOnFerry - TravelWatch, the UK passenger watchdog is urging the public to respond to a survey on the future of ferry services, writes IOMtoday.

Back in July, the independent group welcomed the Infrastructure Minister’s announcement in Tynwald that his department was to hold a public consultation on the future of ferry services.

A survey questionnaire was issued at the end of September, (closing date 9 Nov) seeking the views of passengers and freight users on issues such as preferred departure times and choice of ports in North West England and Ireland, and requesting the rating of items such as frequency of sailing, comfort and reliability of service.

TravelWatch says the tick-box format may be easier for the government to handle, but believes the public should be given an opportunity to make comments on whether the Steam Packet’s second vessel be a fast ferry or conventional ship.

For more on the story, click here.

Afloat.ie adds that the current conventional ferry the Ben-My-Chree (see captain interview) mostly serves on main Isle of Man-UK route between Douglas and Heysham.