This in from Andrew Turner’s office, in his own words. Ed
Andrew Turner says that the Island Infrastructure Taskforce must be set up quickly so that they can look for the best way of providing a modern efficient link between Ryde and Shanklin.
The line has deteriorated over many years and the current rolling stock is nearly 80 years old.
The Taskforce will be given a mandate to find the best option for the future of the service, taking expert advice and making recommendations to the Council on the best way forward.
Speaking today, Mr Turner said :
“There are important decisions to be made about the future of Island Line, and the Council must get on and set up the Taskforce. They decided to do so unanimously last November – it needs to be done now.
“There are reasons why the Taskforce should consider options which include taking Island Line outside of the franchise system. The national franchise structure (seven years) and the control period system (five years) used by the Government and Network Rail to determine investment are far too short to make the business case for Island Line assets to be transformed and modernised. Our unique situation gives us the opportunity to find answers to the dilapidated state of Island Line, we mustn’t throw those opportunities away.
“The Taskforce should consider complete renewal of the system enabling the Island to get its share of the £100bn available for infrastructure investment. When looking at the future of Island Line they should consider modern, efficient alternatives such as light rail or tram options and even, over time extending the network. Within the franchise system investment must be justified over a seven year period. People don’t usually buy their houses over seven years, they spread the cost over 25 years to make it affordable. The principle is similar.
“The Taskforce should be set up and start to do its work quickly to find the best way forward for the Island. I agree with Cllr. Jonathan Bacon that it is very unhelpful that some people are trying to make this a political issue.”
Image: Screen grab from parliamentlive.tv coverage of 13 October 2014 debate
