Two trains per hour will start running on the Island Line from Monday (20) but only during peak periods.
The changes come following mounting pressure from commuters, who criticised SWR's one train per hour service.
The service uplift is designed to cater to local schools in the New Year and, once current restrictions lift, commuters, representing a stepping stone towards the full half hourly service which South Western Railway (SWR) is committed to deliver.
In addition to the current hourly service, the following extra trains will run:
- From Ryde St Johns Road to Ryde Esplanade on weekdays: 06:05
- From Ryde Esplanade to Shanklin on weekdays: 06:14, 07:14, 08:14, 16:14, 17:14, 18:14, 19:14 (just to Ryde St Johns Road)
- From Shanklin to Ryde Esplanade on weekdays: 06:48, 07:48, 08:48, 15:48. 16:48, 17:48, 18:48
- From Ryde St Johns Road to Shanklin on weekdays: 15:18
- From Ryde St Johns Road to Ryde Esplanade on Saturdays: 10:06
- From Ryde Esplanade to Shanklin on Saturdays: 10:14, 11:14, 12:14, 17:14, 18:14, 19:14 (just to Ryde St Johns Road)
- From Shanklin to Ryde Esplanade on Saturdays: 10:48, 11:48, 12:48, 16:48. 17:48, 18:48
- From Ryde St Johns Road to Shanklin on Saturdays: 16:18
During these peak times, one train per hour will travel to and from Ryde Pierhead to connect with the ferry service, with the other additional service terminating at Ryde Esplanade – improving connections with Hovertravel.
Since the Island Line reopened on November 1, SWR have run one train per hour to match low customer demand, synchronise with the scaled-back ferry timetable and make the return to service as smooth as possible.
Having bedded in an effective and efficient service, SWR is now in a position to increase the number of trains during the peak.
Alex Foulds, SWR's Commercial Projects Director, said:
“We are delighted to introduce additional Island Line services from Monday, which are set to make a big difference to our customers. Double the number of peak time trains will help people get to where they need to be more quickly, be they commuters, school children or leisure travellers.
“As well as ensuring that we match capacity and demand, these changes will give a boost to the Island’s transport network, offering enhanced connectivity and better integrated public transport.
“Following the biggest upgrade to the Island Line in decades, today’s announcement marks an important milestone on our journey towards implementing the full timetable”.
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