Island Line will remain part of the South Western railway franchise in 2017, the Department of Transport (DoT) have confirmed.
At a public meeting held in Shanklin last night (Tuesday) it was revealed by Cllr Steve Stubbings that the DoT have no intention to remove Island Line from the South Western franchise and that tender bids will be welcomed in Spring 2017. The news follows meetings held between the Department and the Isle of Wight Council’s deputy managing director, John Metcalfe on Monday.
Councillor Stephen Stubbings, Deputy Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“The meeting with the Department for Transport was extremely positive and constructive. It gives me great hope that together with the DfT and local stakeholders, we will find the right solution for the future of Island Line.”
The DfT wants to see greater community involvement with the Island Line service within the franchise specification, and will continue to talk to the council about this. A DfT consultation with stakeholders, including the public on the franchise specification, will take place in the autumn.
The DfT has also offered support to get the work of the Island Infrastructure task group underway, which will look at all aspects of the Island’s transport infrastructure. They do, however, understand the council’s urgent need to represent the needs of the Island in the consideration of Island Line, before developing this wider work.
Around 250 people packed into Shanklin Theatre to be part of the meeting that was organised by Keep Island Line in Franchise (KILF).
There was disappointment that the Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, did not attend the meeting, despite being the driving force behind suggestions to make the Island’s railway line a Community Interest Company – a view not shared by local councillors and organisations.
