Island Line has recruited more staff in a variety of roles as they look to improve efficiency on the Island’s rail network.
4 new drivers have joined the team now that the service runs twice an hour, with more conductors also hired as a result.
Most importantly, 6 new members of signalling staff have been employed with hopes that the influx of staff can help eradicate the signalling-related issues that have plagued Island Line in recent months.
Despite this recent influx in staff members, yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) staffing issues mean that fewer trains were able to run between Shanklin and Ryde Pier Head.
Island MP Bob Seely has said that he will be contacting the Department for Transport asking for some extra infrastructure investment to get both services running up to Ryde Pier Head when the ongoing works have been completed – a message that has left a question mark on whether the trains will be operating up the Pier when it re-opens following recent works.
It is hoped that the repair works to the pier will be completed by late Spring, but no exact date has been given.
Tar mac the whole lot, an instant relief road around Brading, ease traffic on Ryde to Shanklin road, would benefit thousands of drivers a day, instead of half a dozen passengers.
The cost of staff, keeping the electric on all day, and fencing high voltage tracks is stupid in these days. A battery shuttle tram would be better if a road is too costly
You don’t get it do you. There will not be any cars in the near future.
Play a different record will you. Plus, going on island roads unsuccessful attempts to resurface the roads, it would be closed more due to roadworks and sinkholes
I understand they have not improved on their ‘efficiency’ in collecting fares though. Regular tales of people amazed there was no attempt made. staff too ‘busy’ chatting….
might be an idea before we hear complaints of loss making????
Staff checking fares are at the bottom of their priorities, safety , timetable, then revenue .
How do you know staff are not ” busy ” chatting about aspects of safetly running a train that you are not aware of having not ( I assume) ? Been a train guard ever.
This factual or just hearsay? “Regular tales”. I’m confident that most willing paying customers weren’t particularly proactive in purchasing a ticket either.
Remember a guards role is not just to collect tickets. In fact, it is the last thing in their priority list. But, as usual, everyone else knows everyone’s job better than the people doing the actual job. Like yourself. I’m confident you’re incredible at your job role and NEVER chat though… if you do infact have a job. Keep up the good work.
Why not build a Train Tunnel to Portsmouth…?
You paying for it??
Would people please stop bleating on about bridges and tunnels. You will never get either because they cost too much. Simple as that.
I’ll have a word with my mate Rishi. We’ll get money for more infrastructure and staff to extend the service to my house
Bring back Dotto the Train.
Ban cars on the island! More trains, trams, bikes, and e-scooters. Become a green island. We’ll all be far better off without wasting money on cars and the environment will be much improved.
Won’t be able to get to work, but who cares about that?