Ahead of the Isle of Wight full council meeting, this in from the Isle of Wight council, in their own words, Ed
The Isle of Wight Council confirms that it has secured the assistance of an independent expert to help inform the Island’s collective response to the proposals being developed by the Department for Transport for the future of Island Line as part of the next south western rail franchise.
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“The government made it clear in its announcement in September that it wishes to see plans which are designed to deliver the services that local people need, while putting Island Line on a more sustainable footing. It expects bidders for the next franchise to help sustain the line, while suggesting ideas to turn the line into a separate and self-sustaining business during the life of the franchise.
Free consultancy
Cllr Bacon went on to say,
“I think the council has an important leadership role to ensure that government and the bidders are very clear about the services local people need from Island Line. This means acting as a focal point for the views of the Island during the consultation phase, which will inform the specification for the franchise tender.
“I am, therefore, very pleased that Mr Christopher Garnett OBE has offered his services, free of charge, to the Isle of Wight to act independently, seek out and collate the views of all stakeholders and discuss with the government the needs of the Island from the new franchise; to ensure that the Island does all it can to secure the long term future of Island Line.”
Strong Island connections
He added,
“Christopher has strong Island connections and extensive experience in the transport industry. He is the chairman of the Transport Coordinating Committee for the Rugby World Cup 2015, was a board member of the Olympic Delivery Authority, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Great North Eastern Railways for ten years and a board member for Transport for London for six years. We are very fortunate to have secured his assistance.
“The council is already in dialogue with the civil servants in the Department for Transport responsible for letting the franchise and hopes that they will be able to meet with Mr Garnett, and visit the Island, in the very near future.”
Island Line a priority
Cllr Bacon finished by saying,
“The government had indicated that it would extend the 2017 end date for the current franchise for another two years, which would have given time for the establishment of the much discussed Island Infrastructure Task Force. Now we no longer have that luxury and must focus on the most pressing issue which is the future of Island Line.
“We have not lost total sight of the intended outcomes of the wider task force and will seek to pursue them as part of the work we are doing with local authorities across Hampshire in respect of a devolution deal with government.”
Important transport link
Christopher Garnett said,
“I am delighted to be asked to undertake this independent review and help the Isle of Wight Council come up with a long term solution for the Island line, which is such an important transport link for the Island. I look forward to working with all interested parties on this task.”
See more on the Garnett Report.
Image: alexmartin81 under CC BY 2.0
