ISLAND LINE TRAINS

 

ISLAND LINE TRAINS is the only train service which runs on the Isle of Wight.

Island Line Trains is a subsidiary of South West Trains and is one of the 28 train operating companies in the UK. Island line generally operates two trains every hour and uses refurbished London Underground tube trains.

The 8½ mile stretch of Island Line railway line runs from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin in the east of the island connecting to a total of eight stations across the island, with a direct connection at Smallbrook Junction for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

The Island Line franchise was, until February 2007, the smallest train operating company to make up the National Rail network. It was combined with the South West franchise to make the new South Western franchise in an effort to reduce the number of TOCs in the UK.

Although South West Trains now operates the line, the Island Line branding has been retained. Island Line Trains have repainted all their stations in a heritage cream and green colour scheme, as part of a general station improvement package.

Island Line was the only passenger franchise that included maintenance of the infrastructure in addition to the running of passenger services. Island Line was reportedly Britain’s most reliable and punctual train company. The shortness and simplicity of the route may be the reason for this.

Due to the low ceiling of Ryde Tunnel. Instead, services are operated using Class 483 units, which are refurbished ex-London Underground tube trains originally built in 1938.

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