Before I begin, I’d like to make a few things clear, I didn’t think the government buying the Steam Packet was a good idea, I’m still not sure if it is.

Like everyone else, I have also had personal gripes built up over the years - little issues mostly.

I have also read statements and posts on Facebook slamming the prices calling it a ’rip off’ and of course, we have all at one time or another referred to the company as the ’Steam Racket’.

But then I started looking at the best way to get to my friends’ wedding in Manchester.

The couple, who moved from the island earlier in the year decided with eight weeks notice to get married.

So I booked a hotel the day I got the invitation, thinking prices will only increase if I leave it.

I then started looking at flights and found that for me and my small suitcase, to carry my suit and other things in, it would cost £127.

When I checked this week, it was quoted as £176.

That’s before I’ve paid the airport parking, or the taxi down and back, or the train into Manchester.

So I thought I’d check the boat, sail and rail, like how I used to while I was at university.

The sailings weren’t ideal, as I have to go there and back via Heysham and the return sailing is early so the train doesn’t line up, but it came to £100, just over half of which would be spent on trains.

I booked my train separately, if I’d checked I could’ve got sail and rail for about £70.

But I decided to book the train, thinking it would only go up in price.

I hope I’m not drummed out of the Magic Circle here, but journalists are not millionaires.

So I had to wait on booking the boat until my next pay day.

When I looked again this week, the price has gone, absolutely nowhere. It’s still £48, with all the luggage I want.

For the two readers still with me here, there is a very good reason for why I sat down to write this.

In the near future, there will be a new user agreement which will determine the island’s relationship with the company we own and inevitably prices will be high on the public’s concern.

And it made me think about what I’d like to see changed.

Firstly, I’d want a reliable service. Last year the Ben-My-Chree had a 97.01% overall reliability, once cancellations for weather are taken into account.

Secondly, I’d want a service the serves the island’s needs. We’ve all seen the pictures from shops when the boats don’t run and with the numbers who come here in TT, we need it.

Thirdly, I’d want the company to support the community. In this job I’ve lost count of the amount of "car and two passengers" vouchers donated to charities.

The same goes for groups and charities thanking the company for their assistance in getting on and off island.

Finally, I’d want good value for my money. Well, I’ve just shown how I think I’ve got value for my money.

Now, I know there will be people who feel they pay too much, or can provide facts and figures from Irish Ferries or Stena Line to show we’re being ripped off, but its a business, by its very nature, the Steam Packet must make a profit.

Now here’s the thing, we can do something about it.

We, as a populace, own the Steam Packet. The government may have made the decision to buy the company, but it’s our money.

So if you know what you want from a new agreement, contact your MHK and if/or the chance comes, take part in a consultation.

The deal to buy the company was described by Howard Quayle as ’once-in-a-generation opportunity’.

And here is our once-in-a-generation chance to push to shape how it serves the island.

Sam Turton, reporter Isle of Man Newspapers