MP Bob Seely is asking the Government to make a statement about the South Western Railway franchise – which includes Island Line – following concerns raised about the future of the franchise this week.
Bob is keen to ensure that any potential changes to the management of Island Line will not impact on passengers; and that the £26 million investment into the IW railway will be delivered as planned.
Bob said:
“I have put down a written question asking the Secretary of State to make a statement on the future of South Western Railway and the forthcoming investment in Island Line.
“I will be seeking confirmation that the Government will take any necessary action to ensure that scheduled services are unaffected.
“With regard to Island Line, the £26 million secured in September was signed off by the Department of Transport – as it is essentially government investment – and therefore I have no reason to believe that it will not go ahead, as planned.
“The last conversation I had with the Secretary of State for Transport about Island Line and transport on the Island was this Wednesday (January 8).
“As we have seen over recent weeks, the current infrastructure on Island Line has more than reached the end of its natural life, and it is essential that the investment in refurbished rolling stock, the new passing loop and improved track proceeds on the agreed timescales.
Article continues below this advertisement “I will endeavour to provide further updates in due course.”
This will be Seely’s first test, let’s see how much he do to help the already neglected island and disgraceful railway.
More than the greens, who rumour had it were going to grass the track over and use a team of Huskies in winter to pull a dog cart from end to end, and swapping the dogs in the Summer to rescued Donkeys attached to a Donkey cart.
Bottom line is, trains are except for Ryde Pier head and Ryde seafront, impractical for many as Lake, Sandown and Shanklin train stations are not where most need to be.
Best tarmac the lot, run shuttle busses, NO track maintenance, no high voltage dangerous electic lines to fence and keep safe, and the option of using the shuttle busses on the private tarmac track to leave the ‘confines’ of the station to take people to two or three separate destinations in each town before coming back on the track to resume the cycle.