In September 2019, alongside the Department for Transport, we announced a major upgrade to Island Line, securing the long-term future of the line.
Funding provided by the Department for Transport, Solent Local Enterprise Partnership and the Isle of Wight Council, will see £26m invested into Island Line helping us to deliver a modern railway for the Isle of Wight.
Newer trains
As part of this project we will replace the existing 82-year-old Island Line fleet, with newer and reliable trains, the Class 484.
In keeping with Island Line’s tradition, these trains will be former London Underground trains, extensively refurbished by Vivarail. These trains will bring modern facilities our customers, including on-board Wi-Fi, plug sockets, wheelchair spaces and Passenger Information Screens.
Better journeys
This investment will also see us deliver upgrades to Island Line’s infrastructure, including a new passing loop at Brading, which will allow us to run regular 30-minute services improving connections with Wightlink ferries. The work to upgrade the track will also make journeys smoother, and upgrades to platforms will also improve accessibility.
From January 4-March 31 2021, services on Island Line will be replaced by buses, whilst the work to upgrade the line’s infrastructure is carried out. Following these works, the Class 484 trains will be introduced into service, with the regular 30-minute service introduced in May 2021.
