It has been announced that Island Line will finally re-open on 1st November – some 8 months later than planned.
South Western Railway (SWR) says the return of the Ryde to Shanklin railway service is subject to a final round of train safety tests being successfully completed – something that has been a struggle for the new Class 464 trains in recent months.
Once reopened, customers will return to a transformed Island Line, with new trains running along upgraded infrastructure and through improved stations.
The new trains will significantly improve the customer experience, with upgrades ranging from better interiors to plug sockets, free WiFi and wheelchair spaces.
It’s said that the £26million project, has taken longer to complete than first anticipated due to several factors including train testing complications, the pandemic and even the flash flooding experienced in early August.
During testing, the new Class 484 Island Line trains have been affected by software issues, which SWR and train supplier Vivarail have made good progress in solving through further testing. The final phase of testing is key to the delivery of a safe and reliable railway.
Commenting, Claire Mann, Managing Director of South Western Railway, said:
“We are really pleased that the Island Line is set to reopen on 1 November, providing that a final round of testing allows us to safely introduce our new trains into passenger service.
Article continues below this advertisement “It goes without saying that the safety of our customers and colleagues is the absolute priority for us, which is why it’s so important to get these final preparations right.
“When the Island Line reopens, the new trains and upgraded infrastructure will give a real boost to the customer experience, delivering the modern, punctual and accessible railway that people expect and deserve.
“We are sorry that this project has taken longer to deliver than we first hoped, with a series of complications sadly delaying re-opening. However, we are confident that the transformed Island Line will be worth wait, and we are so excited to welcome locals and visitors back onboard!”
Isle of Wight 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 November 1st, 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.”
Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, 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.”
Eight months with no service.
Are the new Island Line trains and the Cowes Floating Bridge by any chance related?
I think we should be told.
Sorry not related – one is a train and the other is a boat (apparently!)
Well congratulations to all involved, all those long nights working on tracks, ect. BE great 1st November.
Tar mac the lot run three battery shuttle buses on the then private road, and take people into each town it stops in, NOT miles from the main hub.
Let’s tarmac the whole island then?
They are doing their best.
It is great to hear that the line will be reopening soon. However, you do wonder why it has taken 10 months to complete. When the Steam Trains were withdrawn in the 1966, the line was converted, electrified, and reopened within just 3 months.
I will be trying the train out to see how much an improvement they are over the previous ones.
Bully for you, I’ll be using it to get from a to b in a reasonable time. Also it will be great to see the staff again who do a fantastic job.
I used to work on the old ones awhile ago and now live on the wrong side of the Island to use them as you intend.
Thanks for telling us.
Let’s hope the island council have nothing to do with the running of this service,…
All these platitudes from South West Railway, IOW Council and Bob Seeley all they needed to say was “about time”.
Trainee Mc Rolling Laughing stock!