Further detail from the council on the news about Island Line trains franchise. Ed
On Tuesday (11 August) council officers met with officials from the Department for Transport (DfT) to discuss the government’s plans for the South West Trains franchise and the future of Island Line.
The meeting was a positive one. The DfT were keen to understand the community needs for Island Line and will look forward to seeing the options appraisal report by Atkins, commissioned by the council last week.
Line (as it is now) included in franchise
The DfT confirmed that when the South West Trains franchise is put to tender in spring 2017, that Island Line will be included within the package, as it is today.
Councillor Stephen Stubbings, Deputy Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“The meeting with the Department for Transport was extremely positive and constructive. It gives me great hope that together with the DfT and local stakeholders, we will find the right solution for the future of Island Line.”
Community involvement with franchise specification
Additionally, the DfT wants to see greater community involvement with the Island Line service within the franchise specification, and will continue to talk to the council about this. A DfT consultation with stakeholders, including the public on the franchise specification, will take place in the autumn.
The DfT has also offered support to get the work of the Island Infrastructure task group underway, which will look at all aspects of the Island’s transport infrastructure. They do, however, understand the council’s urgent need to represent the needs of the Island in the consideration of Island Line, before developing this wider work.
Image: Peter Trimming under CC BY 2.0
