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National Award For Island Line Team

An Island Line depot team is celebrating success at the National Rail Awards.

Island Line – which is part of the South Western Railway network (SWR) – were awarded highly commended in the Fleet Excellence category.

The honour recognises the small depot team at Ryde St Johns for their hard work and ingenuity, as well as their relationship with local suppliers on the Isle of Wight.

South Western Railway’s Managing Director, Mark Hopwood said:

“We’re committed to improving the railway for the communities we serve, but we can only deliver first rate journeys thanks to the innovative ideas and hard work of our colleagues.

“Our success at the prestigious National Rail Awards show how we’re not only helping to deliver a sustainable, safe, modern and accessible railway for all, but we’re willing to work with others to achieve this by implementing great ideas. 

“I want to congratulate everyone on their success.”

A new system is to be introduced on the Isle of Wight, ending the current railway franchise model, as Isle of Wight Radio previously reported

After more than 80 years of service – in London and on the island - the fleet of former Underground trains are now due for a well-earned retirement.

The current Class 483 units, which have been servicing the island since 1989, are due to be replaced by Class 484 trains - following a £26m investment.

SWR have received several expressions of interest from preservation groups for the soon to be retired fleet, including from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

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