From Isle of Wight County Press letters page, today:

I am writing to express my utter outrage and profound frustration regarding the outrageous increase in ferry ticket prices. This is a blatant exploitation of those who rely on this essential service, and it is high time someone took a stand.

In recent months, the cost of ferry tickets has spiralled out of control, making it virtually impossible for many families, workers, and tourists to afford basic transportation. What was once a reasonable means of travel has now become a financial burden that is choking the life out of local economies and driving people away.

As someone who owns a property advertised on Airbnb and Home Swap, I have directly suffered the consequences. This year alone, I’ve had multiple booking cancellations because guests refuse to pay the extortionate ferry prices. https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/24545611.isle-wight-ferry-prices-high-prevent-tourists-coming/

How do CalMac prices compare?

Furious Isle of Wight locals have accused ferry companies of holding them to ransom and say they can’t wait to move after being charged £440 for a return ticket to the mainland. 

Islanders say they cannot afford to cross the Channel due to soaring costs and unreliable services.

‘Ridiculous’ ferry prices, cancellations, and delays are blighting their lives with some now wishing they had never moved to the island who say it is making them feel ‘completely cut off from society’.  

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13722747/I-wish-never-moved-Furious-Isle-Wight-locals-held-ransom-ferry-companies-say-wait-charged-440-return-ticket-mainland.html

The longest Isle of Wight crossing is 10 miles. Ardrossan to Arran is 17.3 miles.

A return trip from Ardrossan to the frankly far more beautiful island of Arran leaving tomorrow and returning next Friday costs:

The shorter Southampton to Isle of Wight crossing, in high season, costs SEVEN times as much!

One of the two ferry companies, Wightlink, paid £8 million in dividends to its shareholders in 2022.

https://www.wug.org.uk/account-of-wightlinks-financial-history/#:~:text=In%20June%202022%20Wightlink%20declared%20a%20dividend%20of%20%C2%A38million.&text=It%20is%20important%20to%20note,public%20cannot%20own%20WL%20shares.