Two trains per hour will start running on the Island Line during peak periods from this Monday 20th December.
The service uplift is designed to cater to local schools in the New Year and, once current restrictions lift, commuters, representing a stepping stone towards the full half hourly service which South Western Railway (SWR) is committed to deliver.
Jordan: Good news as Island Line deliver on their commitment
Cllr Phil Jordan, the Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, told News OnTheWight,
“I’m really pleased with the decision by SW Railways to extend the service to two trains per hour, especially over the peak periods, for trains on the Island.
“I have just had this confirmed that trains will run two an hour instead of the current one an hour starting on 20th December.
“Good news for travellers over the festive period and new year as Island Line deliver on their two trains an hour commitment.”
Extra services
In addition to the current hourly service, the following extra trains will run:
- From Ryde St Johns Road to Ryde Esplanade on weekdays: 06:05
- From Ryde Esplanade to Shanklin on weekdays: 06:14, 07:14, 08:14, 16:14, 17:14, 18:14, 19:14 (just to Ryde St Johns Road)
- From Shanklin to Ryde Esplanade on weekdays: 06:48, 07:48, 08:48, 15:48. 16:48, 17:48, 18:48
- From Ryde St Johns Road to Shanklin on weekdays: 15:18
- From Ryde St Johns Road to Ryde Esplanade on Saturdays: 10:06
- From Ryde Esplanade to Shanklin on Saturdays: 10:14, 11:14, 12:14, 17:14, 18:14, 19:14 (just to Ryde St Johns Road)
- From Shanklin to Ryde Esplanade on Saturdays: 10:48, 11:48, 12:48, 16:48. 17:48, 18:48
- From Ryde St Johns Road to Shanklin on Saturdays: 16:18
During these peak times, one train per hour will travel to and from Ryde Pier head to connect with the ferry service, with the other additional service terminating at Ryde Esplanade – improving connections with Hovertravel.
Now bedded in
Since the Island Line reopened on 1st November, SWR have run one train per hour to match low customer demand, synchronise with the scaled-back ferry timetable and make the return to service as smooth as possible.
Having bedded in an effective and efficient service, SWR is now in a position to increase the number of trains during the peak.
Alex Foulds, SWR’s Commercial Projects Director, said,
“We are delighted to introduce additional Island Line services from Monday, which are set to make a big difference to our customers. Double the number of peak time trains will help people get to where they need to be more quickly, be they commuters, school children or leisure travellers.
“As well as ensuring that we match capacity and demand, these changes will give a boost to the Island’s transport network, offering enhanced connectivity and better integrated public transport.
“Following the biggest upgrade to the Island Line in decades, today’s announcement marks an important milestone on our journey towards implementing the full timetable”.
News shared by Toby on behalf of South Western Railway. Ed
