HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Rail Authority Publishes Strategic Options for Isle of Wight Services [September 2001]

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 28 September 2001.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) today published a new report setting out future options for rail services on the Isle of Wight, and initiated a consultation on its findings.

The report, prepared for the SRA by Gibb Transport Consulting, is published in Summary form and outlines the range of choices available for providing rail services on the Island in the decades to come. It sets out in detail the current state of the tracks and trains, and examines the feasibility, costs and benefits of a number of options for maintaining or enhancing services on the Island Line.

The report establishes that, whilst the existing train fleet could continue in service for another decade, repairs could become costly and options should be considered for investing in more modern rolling stock. Acquiring newer trains from London Underground Ltd. (LUL) is established as potentially a suitable and cost-effective solution. The introduction of new light rail vehicles or diesel trains is identified as a higher cost option.

The report recommends that the SRA considers:

• Discussion with LUL on buying newer Underground trains for the Island
• Stepping up renewal of the tracks over the long term
• Ways of progressing potential improvements to service frequencies identified in the study
• A forthcoming study into possible route extensions commissioned by Isle of Wight Council

The SRA has asked the Rail Passenger Committee for Southern England to lead consultation on the report with passengers on the Island and the mainland. It is beginning that process with immediate effect, and has asked for comments by 30 November. The SRA will separately discuss the report with the Isle of Wight Council and with the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR).

Chris Austin, Executive Director of External Relations for the SRA, said:

“The SRA commends this report, which establishes the facts that will inform our decisions on how to develop the Island Line in the years to come. We are required to refranchise the Island Line by September 2003, and we must define in good time what we expect to achieve from the new franchise agreement.

“In reaching this decision we will be discussing today’s report with passenger groups and other stakeholders on the Island and elsewhere. While putting the interests of passengers foremost, we must recognise that our plans must represent value for money, as well as being affordable and achievable.”