There is less than a week to go before the Department for Transport’s public consultation on the South Western rail franchise (which includes Island Line) closes for comment.
Although Island Line is included in the franchise starting 2017, whoever takes it over will be expected to turn Island Line “into a separate and self-sustaining business during the life of the next franchise”.
There are fears this will result in the line eventually closing as it is unlikely to be able to become self-sustaining.
Petition to remain in franchise
The Keep Island Line in Franchise (KILF) Group launched a petition calling on the DfT to “Keep Island Line in South Western rail franchise; not a self-sustaining business”.
The DfT plans to turn Island Line into a separate self-sustaining business during the life of the next franchise (2017 onwards). We believe this essential service should instead – like other branch lines – continue to be supported within a wider network, with the franchisee required to invest in it.
There have also been arguments the franchise consultation pre-determined, although civil servants from the DfT assured residents at the public meeting this was not the case.
Don’t miss the deadline
Full details can be found in the document below and you have until 9th February to submit your response.
Submissions can be emailed to SouthWesternFranchise2016@railexecutive.gsi.gov.uk. Further details on GOV.UK.
Image: tompagenet under CC BY 2.0
