News of the return of the Island Line railway service from 1st November has been met with much excitement and relief for commuters, who rely on the 20 minute service from Shanklin to Ryde, on the east side of the Isle of Wight.
The new Island Line trains – refurbished Class 484 trains – will be sporting modern spacious interiors, free on-board Wi-Fi, at seat charging points, and dedicated wheelchair spaces.
The introduction of a new passing loop at Brading will also allow a regular 30-minute service, providing better connections to ferries to the Mainland.
There have also be an upgrade to platforms to improve access, and the installation of new ticket vending machines at Shanklin, Sandown and Ryde St John’s Road.
Jordan: A long wait, but a great improvement
The Isle of Wight council cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, Cllr Phil Jordan, said,
“I welcome the much needed return of the Island Line train service from Shanklin to Ryde Pier Head.
“It’s been a long wait, but we have seen a great improvement in the stations, along the line and in the new trains that are replacing our 80-year-old previous stock.
“The restoration of the connectivity from Shanklin to the mainland is an important service for many people who depend on the connection for work and leisure reasons and I’m very pleased we now have a definite date for resumption.
“Along with planned improvements to the Interchange, we are starting to see better travel services for residents and visitors and with aspirations for further expansion of the Island line through government grants we are beginning to see what investment can really deliver for our Island.”
30 minute rail service
Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, said,
“I know that delays have been frustrating to Islanders, especially over the summer months. I am glad that we will, from 1st November, now have a 30-minute rail service that will connect more efficiently with the ferry and with mainland connections.
“Delivering a multi-million-pound upgrade on Island Line is one of the key elements of the Island Deal and I’m glad that this has now been delivered on.”
