ISLE OF WIGHT BUS AND RAIL
USERS GROUP
POLICY STATEMENT – ISLAND LINE RAIL
SERVICE
The Isle of Wight Bus and Rail Users Group (IWBRUG) has produced this policy statement
to promote and support the long term development and use of rail services on the Isle of
Wight on behalf of passengers, whether they be local residents, commuters or tourists.
IWBRUG is the sole local independent advocate on behalf of Island Line passengers and
aspires to positively influence current and future service specifications for the franchise on
behalf of passengers.
Our key policy objectives in respect of Island Line are as follows:
1)

To ensure the long term provision of rail services on Island Line. Long term provision
should include the following attributes:
- that days of operation, daily period of operation, scheduled services operated,
stations served and service frequencies should be no less, and journey times should
be no more, than those effective as at July 2015.
- that connections with all ferry services at Ryde Pier Head should be the
fundamental Island Line service scheduling consideration.
- that journeys from Shanklin to Ryde Pier Head and vice versa can be made without
the requirement to change trains.

2)

To ensure that Island Line remains part of the national rail network, inclusive of
national network ticketing. Specifically:
- IWBRUG will support the principle that Island Line remains part of a wider southern
or south western area rail franchise and IWBRUG specifically will not support any
proposal to devolve Island Line to a local or community-based operation.
- that future fares changes on Island Line should be in line with national rail fare
changes.
- that railcard discounts remain available on all journeys with an Island Line journey
component

3)

To press for urgent replacement of the current rolling stock mindful of the need for
compatibility with the track and infrastructure, and that based upon the availability of
appropriate replacement stock, electric traction appears to offer the most likely and
realistic opportunity for such replacement.

4)

To press for guarantees in respect of ongoing track maintenance to be in place,
including Ryde Pier,that will enable and ensure long term future rail provision on
Island Line.