A computer-generated image showing how the interior of the new Island Line trains will look has been released by Vivarail today (Tuesday).
As reported by Island Echo yesterday, it has been announced that the Isle of Wight will be receiving Class 484 Vivarail trains to operate on the Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin network. The 1978 former London District Line stock – which are completely overhauled by Vivarail in the Midlands – will replace the ageing 1938 former underground trains.
The new trains will provide more capacity, better accessibility, USB charging, passenger information systems and onboard wifi. They will also allow the guard to easily pass between carriages to collect fares.
A total of 5x 2-car trains have been ordered with the first carriages expected to arrive on test in early summer 2020. It has been confirmed that each train will be able to accommodate up to around 188 people – a mix of 106 people standing and 86 seated. During peak times, a total of 4 carriageways can be run as a single train giving a capacity of around 376 people.
As well as new rolling stock, a new passing loop is to be created at Brading to help improve the connectivity of the trains with cross-Solent sailings. Trains will initially run on a 30 minute timetable, but Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely hopes this can be reduced to 20 minutes.
There has been considerable interest in the fate of the existing 1938 Island Line trains. It has been confirmed that South Western Railway will be working with stakeholders to ensure they find a good retirement home.
Proposed Island Line Upgrade Programme
| September 2019 | Island Line investment announcement made at Brading |
| Late 2019-2020 | Build of new Vivarail Class 484 trains begins at Long Marston, Midlands |
| Late 2019 onwards | Design and planning work for Island Line infrastructure |
| April 2020 | Testing begins on first Class 484 Island Line unit |
| Spring 2020 | Wifi and Ticket Machines installed at stations |
| Summer 2020 | First Class 484 train arrives on the Isle of Wight for testing |
| October/November 2020 | More new Class 484 carriages arrive on the Isle of Wight |
| Winter 2020/2021 | Disruption during infrastructure works – shuttle service in operation |
| February 2021 | Final new Class 484 carriages delivered |
| March 2021 | Last 1938 stock Island Line train decommissioned |
| May 2021 | Brand new timetable introduced with new trains |
WATCH: Island Echo reports from yesterday’s major announcement at Brading Train Station, including an interview with Vivarail’s CEO…
Brilliant, can’t wait. Will be SO much better for the increasing number of foot passengers coming over on holiday who struggle with their baggage on the current IL rolling stock. Like some, I am sentimental about the old D stock and will be sad to see it go, as I travelled on it in London as a child. But now the ride is uncomfortable, even painful at times and have been thrown out of my seat on more than one occasion. Were I elderly, or in pain, I would avoid travelling on them. But the upgrade will be a worthwhile investment.
Keep 1 of the 1938 trains , swap good spare parts onto it & and use it for Summer enthusiast ” specials” , would pay for its keep & be Historic too
Yes I’ll look into it
Join the discussion…That might not be possible if, like the trains before the current ones, contained asbestos. But if possible would make a nice static restaurant car, maybe at Havenstreet.
It’s really kool we are getting new trains , but they the other trains 1938 were only moving 40 yrs ahead which make them old 1978 , when is the island going to get something BRAND NEW for a change and works properly, why is everything so old and refurbished…..dont get me wrong I like old stuff but a better change sometimes is nice