View source for Island Line, Isle of Wight

{{short description|Electrified railway line on the Isle of Wight}}
{{about|the railway line|the railway brand|Island Line (brand)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = Island Line
| image                           = 484001 Shanklin.jpg
| image_width                     = 300px
| caption                         = An Island Line [[British Rail Class 484|Class 484]] at {{stnlnk|Shanklin}} in 2022
| type                            = [[Community railway]]
| system                          = 
| status                          = Operational
| locale                          = [[Isle of Wight]]
| start                           = {{rws|Ryde Pier Head}}<br />{{coord|50.7385|-1.1604|type:railwaystation_region:GB|display=inline|name=Ryde Pier Head station}}
| end                             = {{rws|Shanklin}}<br />{{coord|50.6338|-1.1798|type:railwaystation_region:GB|display=inline|name=Shanklin  station}}
| stations                        = 
| routes                          = 
| daily_ridership                 = 
| open                            = 5 April 1880
| event1label                     = Closed
| event1                          = 3 January 1967 (temporarily)
| event2label                     = Reopened
| event2                          = 1 April 1967
| close                           = 3 January 2021 (temporarily)
| reopen                          = 1 November 2021
| owner                           = [[South Western Railway (train operating company)|South Western Railway]]
| operator                        = [[Island Line (brand)|Island Line]]
| character                       = Fully [[grade separated]] except foot crossings
| depot                           = [[Ryde Traincare Depot|Ryde]]
| stock                           = [[British Rail Class 484]]
| linelength_mi                   = 8+1/2
| tracklength                     = 
| tracks                          = Mixture of [[Single track (rail)|single]] and [[double track]]
| gauge                           = {{track gauge|uksg|allk=on}}
| load_gauge                      = W6<ref name="Wessex">{{Cite web |url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Route-Specification-2016-Wessex.pdf |title=Route Specifications 2016 Wessex |access-date=26 July 2021 |archive-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506021757/https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Route-Specification-2016-Wessex.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| availability                    = RA 1<ref name="Wessex"/>
| electrification                 = {{750 V DC|conductor=y}}<ref name="upgrades">{{cite news|author=David Burroughs|newspaper=International Railway Journal|url=https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/fleet-and-track-upgrades-in-26m-isle-of-wight-investment/|title=Fleet and track upgrades in £26m Isle of Wight investment|date=16 September 2019|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128134058/https://www.railjournal.com/fleet/fleet-and-track-upgrades-in-26m-isle-of-wight-investment/|url-status=live}}</ref> ([[Railway electrification in Great Britain#660 V DC, third rail (top contact)|660{{nbsp}}V DC]]<ref name="Wessex"/> before January 2021)
| speed_mph                       = 45
| elevation                       = 
| map                             = [[File:Island Line, Isle of Wight.png|300px]]<br>([[:commons:File:Island Line, Isle of Wight.png|Click to expand]])
| map_state                       = uncollapsed
}}
The '''Island Line''' is a railway line on the [[Isle of Wight]] which links {{rws|Ryde Pier Head}} with {{rws|Shanklin}} on the Island's east coast. Trains connect at {{rws|Ryde Pier Head}} with passenger [[ferry|ferries]] to {{rws|Portsmouth Harbour}}, and these ferries in turn connect with the rest of the National Rail network via the [[Portsmouth Direct Line]]. The line also connects to the [[Isle of Wight Steam Railway]], a [[heritage railway]], at {{rws|Smallbrook Junction}}. For much of its length the line runs alongside the [[A3055 road|A3055]], criss-crossing this road by means of the Ryde Tunnel and bridges at Rowborough, Morton Common, Lake Hill and Littlestairs.

==Route==
{{Island Line IOW}}
[[File:Isle of Wight Inselbahn.jpg|thumb|right|A [[British Rail Class 483|Class 483]] unit in service in [[London Regional Transport|London Transport]] livery at {{rws|Ryde Esplanade}}]]
The line starts at [[Ryde Pier Head railway station|Ryde Pier Head station]],{{efn|Mileage on the line is measured from this station, starting at {{convert|0|mi|0|ch|km}}.<ref name="route">{{cite book|title=TRACKatlas of Mainland Britain|publisher=Platform 5|page=10|date=2017|isbn=978-1909431-26-3|edition=3rd}}</ref>}} which is located at the sea end of [[Ryde Pier]] and connects with cross−[[Solent]] ferry services to/from {{rws|Portsmouth Harbour}} operated by [[Wightlink]]. The station has an [[island platform]] with two platform faces and two tracks,<ref name="route" /> although only the western track (and thus only one platform face) remains in passenger use. From here, the line runs along the pier's eastern side towards the shore before reaching [[Ryde Esplanade railway station|Ryde Esplanade station]]{{efn|Mileage: {{convert|0|mi|32|ch|km}}<ref name="route" />}} at the other end of the pier. Located north of [[Ryde]]'s town centre, Esplanade station is the busiest of the three stations in the town;<ref name="ORR">[https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/statistics/usage/estimates-of-station-usage/ Estimates of station usage] − ORR Data Portal</ref> it forms part of [[Ryde Transport Interchange|the town's main transport interchange]] along with the nearby Ryde Bus Station (offering [[Southern Vectis|bus services]] to the rest of the island)<ref>[https://www.islandbuses.info/services Timetables & Maps] − Southern Vectis</ref> and Ryde Hoverport (with cross−Solent [[Hovertravel|hovercraft]] connections to and from [[Southsea Hoverport|Southsea]]).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Foot Passenger Ferries to the Isle of Wight |url=https://www.hovertravel.co.uk/|access-date=2021-07-25 |website=Hovertravel }}</ref> The station has one [[side platform]] in operation; a second platform, which was converted into a garden in 2015, lies adjacent to the disused track.

Although the line along the pier appears to be a typical double-track line, the eastern track was disconnected during the 2021 upgrade works. This was originally done to allow the potential placement of a co-acting signal on platform 1 within the disused track bed at Ryde Esplanade, though an alternative signalling solution was ultimately chosen.<ref>{{cite book|title=Upgrading the Isle of Wight's Railway: All Change at Ryde|publisher=Pen and Sword Transport|page=66|date=2024|isbn=978-1-39904-517-9|edition=1st}}</ref> Prior to that, there was no [[Railroad switch#Crossover|crossover]] between the two tracks until immediately south of Esplanade station, meaning they were ''de facto'' two separate single-track lines,<ref name="route" /> a layout similar to those at {{rws|Bare Lane}},<ref>{{cite book|title=TRACKatlas of Mainland Britain|publisher=Platform 5|page=62|date=2017|isbn=978-1909431-26-3|edition=3rd}}</ref> {{rws|Glenrothes with Thornton}}<ref>{{cite book|title=TRACKatlas of Mainland Britain|publisher=Platform 5|page=92|date=2017|isbn=978-1909431-26-3|edition=3rd}}</ref> and {{rws|Worcester Foregate Street}}<ref>{{cite book|title=TRACKatlas of Mainland Britain|publisher=Platform 5|page=38|date=2017|isbn=978-1909431-26-3|edition=3rd}}</ref> stations.

South of Esplanade station, both tracks are operational. The line continues as double-track through Ryde via the Ryde Tunnel, bypassing the town centre to the northeast, before it reaches [[Ryde St John's Road railway station|Ryde St John's Road station]]{{efn|Mileage: {{convert|1|mi|19|ch|km}}<ref name="route" />}} to the east of the town centre. The station has a total of three platforms<ref name="route" /> linked by a [[footbridge]], two of which are in regular use by passenger services. The third platform, while open, is a south-facing [[bay platform]],<ref name="route" /> meaning only the few terminating services can stop there. Adjacent to St John's Road station is [[Ryde depot]] − the only [[motive power depot|traction maintenance depot]] on the line.

The line then leaves Ryde and continues southwards, reducing to single-track immediately north of the next station, {{rws|Smallbrook Junction}}.{{efn|Mileage: {{convert|2|mi|17|ch|km}}<ref name="route" />}} This station is unique on the [[National Rail]] network in that there is no public access into or out of the station − it exists purely as an interchange between the Island Line and the [[Isle of Wight Steam Railway]].<ref>[https://www.southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/at-the-station/smallbrook-junction Smallbrook Junction] − South Western Railway</ref><ref>[https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/SAB/details.html Station facilities for Smallbrook Junction] − National Rail Enquiries</ref> The station was built in 1991 − the same year that the [[heritage railway|steam railway]] was extended to this location. Despite the station's name there is no longer an actual [[junction (rail)|junction]] here, as the two railway lines are not physically connected to each other.<ref name="route" />

The next station on the line is {{rws|Brading}},{{efn|Mileage: {{convert|4|mi|55|ch|km}}<ref name="route" />}} which has two platforms connected by a footbridge and a foot crossing at the southern end of the station, as well as a [[passing loop]] which allows trains running in opposite directions to pass each other. The original passing loop was closed and lifted in 1988, but was reinstated and brought back into use in 2021 as part of the line improvement programme; the second platform and the footbridge between the two platforms had been mothballed throughout this closure. The line then continues in a southwesterly direction towards [[Sandown railway station|Sandown station]],{{efn|Mileage: {{convert|6|mi|42|ch|km}}<ref name="route" />}} which has retained its passing loop;<ref name="route" /> the station's two platforms are connected by a [[subway (underpass)|subway]].

Beyond Sandown, the line is single-track for the remainder of the route.<ref name="route" /> The penultimate station on the line is {{rws|Lake}},{{efn|Mileage: {{convert|7|mi|24|ch|km}}<ref name="route" />}} opened in 1987, and the line terminates just over a mile later at [[Shanklin railway station|Shanklin station]].{{efn|Mileage: {{convert|8|mi|29|ch|km}}<ref name="route" />}} Shanklin also used to have a second platform, which is now used as a flowerbed. Until 1966, the line continued further south to {{rws|Wroxall}} and {{rws|Ventnor}} (see ''[[#History|History]]'' below).

The full line, from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin, is {{convert|8|mi|31|ch|km}} long.<ref name="route" />

==Services==
As of April 2023, train services on the line run every 30 minutes in each direction between Ryde and Shanklin, calling at all intermediate stations except (usually) Smallbrook Junction.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Toogood |first=Darren |date=2023-02-20 |title=TWO TRAINS PER HOUR TO OPERATE ON ISLAND LINE FROM APRIL |url=https://www.islandecho.co.uk/2-trains-per-hour-service-to-operate-on-island-line-from-april/ |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=Island Echo}}</ref> This frequency has been made possible by an additional passing loop installed at {{rws|Brading}} during the 2020–2021 upgrade works;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Toogood |first=Darren |date=2019-09-16 |title=NEW TRAINS AND PASSING LOOP CONFIRMED AS FUTURE OF ISLAND LINE REVEALED |url=https://www.islandecho.co.uk/new-trains-and-passing-loop-confirmed-as-future-of-island-line-revealed/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=Island Echo}}</ref> prior to the upgrade, services ran at an alternating 20/40-minute frequency.

Smallbrook Junction station is only open on days when the [[Isle of Wight Steam Railway]] is operating; when open, the station is served by up to nine trains per day in each direction between 10:30 and 17:00.<ref name="TT">{{Cite web |title=Train Timetable {{!}} South Western Railway |url=https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/timetables |access-date= |website=southwesternrailway.com}}</ref>

==Passenger numbers==
[[File:IOW Station Stats 2002-2021 1.jpg|thumb|Passengers at Island Line Stations 2002 to 2021.]]
After privatisation, passenger numbers rose steadily from an estimated 1.21{{nbsp}}million in 1997–1998 to an estimated 1.61{{nbsp}}million in 2006–2007.<ref name=ORR />

After the merger of the Island Line and South West Trains franchises in 2007, Island Line passenger numbers fell slightly from an estimated 1.61{{nbsp}}million in 2006–2007 to an estimated 1.53{{nbsp}}million in 2009–2010. They peaked again at an estimated record 1.67{{nbsp}}million in 2011–2012, but since then fell to an estimated 1.31{{nbsp}}million in 2014–2015. This was the lowest annual estimate since 1998–1999, and suggests passenger numbers fell by 22% in four years.<ref name=ORR />

{{GBsta-u|
{{GBsta-u A|stn=Ryde Pier Head|u1=116,652|u2=121,387|u3=116,812|u4=149,226|u5=193,714|u6=210,604|u7=210,604|u8=235,156|u9=223,542|u10=217,272|u11=209,734|u12=218,060|u13=218,410|u14=210,006|u15=211,794|u16=204,154|u17=181,060|u18=26,300|u19=68,646|u20=92,786|u21=102,938}}
{{GBsta-u A|stn=Ryde Esplanade|u1=431,636|u2=453,314|u3=456,944|u4=489,372|u5=442,861|u6=396,358|u7=360,650|u8=392,020|u9=364,780|u10=328,366|u11=301,660|u12=289,574|u13=281,344|u14=277,176|u15=258,784|u16=247,152|u17=220,384|u18=46,880|u19=86,876|u20=134,132|u21=125,604}}
{{GBsta-u A|stn=Ryde St John's Road|u1=140,242|u2=160,891|u3=175,208|u4=178,869|u5=178,914|u6=190,796|u7=200,976|u8=240,046|u9=251,694|u10=229,450|u11=202,188|u12=184,924|u13=180,220|u14=179,822|u15=156,850|u16=132,174|u17=116,138|u18=21,058|u19=38,994|u20=65,396|u21=57,222}}
{{GBsta-u A|stn=Smallbrook Junction|u1=2,995|u2=3,087|u3=2,716|u4=2,965|u5=4,363|u6=9,672|u7=10,170|u8=11,472|u9=11,478|u10=10,832|u11=11,408|u12=11,230|u13=12,134|u14=12,768|u15=12,670|u16=12,920|u17=12,352|u18=1,268|u19=4,658|u20=8,024|u21=8,174}}
{{GBsta-u A|stn=Brading|u1=73,546|u2=66,932|u3=69,074|u4=68,841|u5=60,680|u6=65,794|u7=61,406|u8=63,872|u9=67,840|u10=60,540|u11=55,594|u12=50,954|u13=43,846|u14=48,500|u15=45,848|u16=42,170|u17=32,842|u18=4,276|u19=10,410|u20=16,378|u21=16,122}}
{{GBsta-u A|stn=Sandown|u1=244,876|u2=242,564|u3=254,040|u4=265,499|u5=264,784|u6=264,126|u7=256,890|u8=271,282|u9=297,722|u10=273,118|u11=240,766|u12=203,143|u13=194,276|u14=183,488|u15=162,310|u16=150,748|u17=123,126|u18=23,936|u19=46,860|u20=83,500|u21=79,696}}
{{GBsta-u A|stn=Lake|u1=78,279|u2=77,995|u3=76,364|u4=71,465|u5=69,350|u6=67,162|u7=67,584|u8=67,656|u9=77,772|u10=71,566|u11=61,840|u12=53,006|u13=42,310|u14=53,786|u15=47,602|u16=43,236|u17=37,574|u18=4,378|u19=11,574|u20=21,000|u21=19,384}}
{{GBsta-u A|stn=Shanklin|u1=329,887|u2=341,826|u3=345,020|u4=382,842|u5=368,776|u6=358,658|u7=338,612|u8=345,844|u9=373,006|u10=352,134|u11=318,410|u12=294,698|u13=293,654|u14=291,346|u15=275,076|u16=260,016|u17=226,746|u18=49,110|u19=83,326|u20=149,810|u21=145,562}}
}}

==History==
{{See also|Railways on the Isle of Wight}}

=== Pre-grouping (1864–1923) ===
The line from {{rws|Ryde St John's Road}} to {{rws|Shanklin}} was opened on 23 August 1864, having been built by the [[Isle of Wight Railway]]. In 1866, the line was extended through to {{rws|Ventnor}}. The line was originally built as [[single track (rail)|single track]] throughout, with [[passing loop]]s provided at Brading, Sandown and Shanklin stations.

In 1880, the [[London and South Western Railway]] (LSWR) and [[London, Brighton and South Coast Railway]] (LBSCR) opened a jointly owned line north from Ryde St John's Road. Under the direction of LBSCR Chief Engineer [[Frederick Banister]],<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Frederick_Dale_Banister |title=Federick Dale Banister |publisher=Grace's Guide |access-date=10 February 2013}}</ref> the building of the extension included a new tunnel and a third [[Ryde Pier]] to enable the line to reach {{rws|Ryde Pier Head}}, which provided a connection with the companies' ferry services. When the LBSC/LSWR joint line opened, it was as a [[double track]] section from Ryde St John's Road station through to Ryde Pier Head. There was a [[Railroad switch#Crossover|scissors crossover]] situated on Ryde Pier to allow trains to access all platforms. Sets of crossovers were installed at St John's Road to enable trains to change from the joint line's left-hand running to the single-track sections on the [[Isle of Wight Central Railway]]'s Newport line and the [[Isle of Wight Railway]]'s Shanklin line (now known as the Island Line).<ref name="TubeTrains p9">{{harvnb|Hardy|2003|p=9}}.</ref>

=== Southern Railway (1923–1948) ===
Following the [[Railways Act 1921]], the Island Line and the other [[railways on the Isle of Wight]] became part of the [[Southern Railway (UK)|Southern Railway]]. In 1926, crossovers and a signalbox were installed at Smallbrook Junction to extend double track operation from St John's Road. However, the signalbox was used only in the summer when traffic levels were high. In winter, the two lines from Smallbrook to St. John's Road reverted to independent [[single track (rail)|single track]] operation.<ref name="TubeTrains p9"/>

In 1927,<ref name="TubeTrains p9"/> the passing loops at Brading and Sandown were connected to form a second section of double track.

===British Rail (1948–1996)===
[[File:Shanklinstn.jpg|thumb|right|[[British Rail Class 485]] 485045 at {{rws|Shanklin}}, in the late 1980s [[Network SouthEast]] livery with Ryde Rail branding]]
[[File:BR Class 485 train on Ryde Pier IoW.jpg|thumb|BR Class 485 train traversing [[Ryde Pier]]]]
In 1948, the Southern Railway was [[nationalised]], as part of British Railways, later [[British Rail]]. The line from Shanklin to Ventnor closed in April 1966. Steam trains were withdrawn from Ryde Pier on 17 September, and the whole line on 31 December 1966.{{Clarify|reason=Were diesel trains run between the steam withdrawal and electrification? When did the closure begin? Is it 3 January 1967 as stated in the infobox?|date=January 2022}} While the line was closed, the trackbed in Ryde Tunnel was raised to reduce flooding and decrease gradients,<ref name="1938stock">{{cite web |url= http://www.squarewheels.org.uk/rly/stock/IsleOfWight/ |title=1938 tube stock on the Isle of Wight |work=squarewheels.org.uk |access-date=26 August 2007}}</ref> the rebuilding of Ryde Pier Head station was completed, and Ryde Esplanade station was also substantially modified. The line reopened in March 1967 following its electrification with a 660{{nbsp}}V DC [[third rail]] system.<ref name="Wessex" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Southern Electric Fleet Review Summer 2004|url=http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/features/historical-features/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130223073203/http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/features/historical-features/index.html|archive-date=23 February 2013|publisher=Southern Electric Group|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Southern Electric History and Infrastructure (Part 4)|url=http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/features/historical-features/seginfohistory4.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118162728/http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/features/historical-features/seginfohistory4.html|archive-date=18 January 2016|access-date=5 June 2013|publisher=Southern Electric Group|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The rolling stock introduced to the line was former [[London Underground]] [[London Underground Standard Stock|'Standard Stock']], which had been built between 1923 and 1934, and was designated as [[British Rail Classes 485 and 486]].{{sfn|Hardy|2003|pp=19&ndash;20, 23}} In the 1980s, British Rail was sectorised and the line became part of the [[Network SouthEast]] sector. Services on the line were [[British Rail brand names|branded]] as Ryde Rail.

British Rail opened two new stations on the line - Lake in 1987, and Smallbrook Junction in 1991, which links to the [[Isle of Wight Steam Railway]].

The double track between Sandown and Brading, along with the Brading passing loop, were removed in 1988. In 1989, the passenger service was branded as [[Island Line (train operating company)|Island Line]] for the first time, as the name and logo was included on the [[British Rail Class 483|"new" Class 483]] trains' livery. However, this rebranding did not officially occur until 1994. The Class 483s had been introduced in 1989, and, like their predecessors, were former London Underground stock, dating [[London Underground 1938 Stock|from 1938]].{{sfn|Hardy|2003|p=75}}

===Island Line franchise (1996–2007)===
Following the [[privatisation of British Rail]], the rights to run services on the line were put out to tender as a [[Rail franchising in Great Britain|franchise]]. Uniquely on the [[National Rail]] network, the franchise agreement also required the successful bidder to maintain the railway line in addition to the stations and trains.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iow.gov.uk/azservices/documents/1190-TITF-Report-FINAL.PDF|publisher=[[Isle of Wight Council]]|title=Transport Infrastructure Task Force Report|date=July 2017|page=23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504101334/https://www.iow.gov.uk/azservices/documents/1190-TITF-Report-FINAL.PDF|archive-date=4 May 2020}}</ref> [[Stagecoach Group]] were announced as the winner of the franchise and from October 1996 they operated passenger services under the name [[Island Line (train operating company)|Island Line Trains]].

In 2002, a form of [[Automatic Train Protection]] was installed on the line. This involved the refitting of tripcocks on trains and the associated train stop trackside equipment at signals. This system is almost identical to the one originally fitted to the trains when in service on the [[London Underground]], although it is in use only at signals protecting single-track sections of the route.{{sfn|Hardy|2003|p=79}}

The [[Department for Transport]] designated the line as a [[community railway]] in March 2006, under reforms to help boost use of rural and branch lines in the UK rail network.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/4840718.stm |title=Island's new community rail route |date=24 March 2006 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

===South West Trains franchise (2007–2017)===
From February 2007, the Island Line franchise was merged with the [[South West Trains]] franchise on the mainland. Stagecoach was announced as the winner of the expanded franchise and operated Island Line as a South West Trains subsidiary.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5369688.stm |title=Stagecoach wins railway franchise |date=22 September 2006 |access-date=25 September 2007 |work=BBC News}}</ref> However, the Island Line name was retained, styled as ''Island Line Trains'', and was promoted as a separate division on the South West Trains website.

Island Line Trains also repainted stations in a heritage scheme of cream and green, as part of a general station improvement package.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/News/_islandspruce.htm |title=Spruce up for Island Line stations |access-date=3 September 2007 |publisher=[[South West Trains]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928001823/https://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/News/_islandspruce.htm|archive-date=28 September 2007|url-status=usurped|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===South Western Railway franchise (2017-2025)===
In August 2017, the franchise was taken over by [[South Western Railway (train operating company)|South Western Railway]] who have maintained the Island Line brand.<ref>[http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/europe/single-view/view/first-mtr-joint-venture-wins-south-western-franchise.html First/MTR joint venture wins South Western franchise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331092550/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/europe/single-view/view/first-mtr-joint-venture-wins-south-western-franchise.html |date=31 March 2019 }} ''[[Railway Gazette International]]'' 27 March 2017</ref> On 25 May 2025, the South Western Railway Franchise ended and became nationalised.<ref>{{cite news| url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgdv4nzvk2o |title=Passengers' first renationalised SWR train ride |date=25 May 2025|work=BBC News}}</ref>

=== 2020–2021 upgrade work ===
[[File:483007 Shanklin .jpg|thumb|right|[[British Rail Class 483]] 483007 ''Jess Harper'' at [[Shanklin railway station|Shanklin]] on the final day of Class 483 operations, 3 January 2021. This unit was transferred to the adjacent [[Isle of Wight Steam Railway]] after being retired.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Fleet in 2020|url=http://www.lttractiongroup.co.uk/the-fleet-in-2020.html#/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025051035/http://www.lttractiongroup.co.uk/the-fleet-in-2020.html#/|archive-date=25 October 2020|access-date=1 August 2020}}</ref>]]
[[File:484001 and 483009 at Ryde Traincare.jpg|thumb|A newer {{brc|484}} next to an older 483, showing the difference in height between them.]]
On 16 September 2019, it was confirmed that £26{{nbsp}}million would be invested in the Isle of Wight's railways. This included the introduction of five [[British Rail Class 484|Class 484]] units built by [[Vivarail]] using [[D78 Stock]] bodyshells to replace the ageing Class 483 fleet,<ref name="SWR upgrade Sep 19">{{cite web|date=|title=UKs oldest train fleet updated with 26m investment into Isle of Wights railway|url=https://www.southwesternrailway.com/other/news-and-media/news/2019/september/uks-oldest-train-fleet-updated-with-26m-investment-into-isle-of-wights-railway|access-date=16 September 2019|website=www.southwesternrailway.com}}</ref> which had become unreliable to the point that services on the line had to be halved in frequency for around a month.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://onthewight.com/island-line-halve-number-of-trains-until-further-notice/|publisher=On The Wight|title=Island Line halve number of trains until further notice|author=Sally Perry|date=13 September 2019|access-date= 19 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=National Rail Enquiries - Service Alteration Details|url=https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/231135.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001081348/https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/231135.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 October 2019|date=17 September 2019|access-date=1 October 2019}}</ref> As the new Class 484 trains would sit higher above rail level than the Class 483 they would replace, the track through most stations was expected to be lowered in order to prevent a large vertical difference between the train floor height and the [[railway platform height|platform height]]. At stations where this was not possible, platform height was instead due to be raised.<ref>{{cite web|date=24 September 2019|title=Isle of Wight — Island Rail Upgrade|url=http://bidstats.uk/tenders/2019/W39/711590030|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506130017/http://bidstats.uk/tenders/2019/W39/711590030|archive-date=6 May 2020|access-date=6 May 2020|publisher=Bidstats}}</ref> The voltage on the third rail was to be raised to 750V DC.<ref name="upgrades"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Trains return to the Isle of Wight after £26m upgrade|url=https://www.railjournal.com/infrastructure/trains-return-to-the-isle-of-wight-after-26m-upgrade|access-date=14 February 2022|date=2 November 2021|work=International Rail Journal}}</ref>

The reinstatement of a long-removed passing loop at Brading was also planned in order to allow trains to run at even half-hourly intervals, with island-based stakeholders including the [[Isle of Wight Council]] and Solent Local Enterprise Partnership contributing £1{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="SWR upgrade Sep 19" /><ref>{{cite news |title=£26m announced for Island rail line |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-49713141 |access-date=16 September 2019 |date=16 September 2019|work=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The plan as suggested in 2007-8 envisaged the passing loop at Brading replacing that at Sandown, which would have been abandoned along with the remaining [[double track]] within Ryde.<ref name="RailCoUk2015">{{cite web|date=18 January 2015|title=Steaming back to Ryde after 50 years? Rail.co.uk assesses the plan and gives its verdict|url=http://www.rail.co.uk/rail-news/2015/steaming-to-ryde/|access-date=20 September 2019|archive-date=7 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707175050/http://www.rail.co.uk/rail-news/2015/steaming-to-ryde/|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the Programme Manager from [[South Western Railway (train operating company)|South Western Railway]] has publicly stated that the option of running a 20-minute service will remain after the upgrade<ref name="OTW BRUG Jan20">{{cite web|author=Stuart George|date=22 January 2020|title=Hear latest on buses, trains and road travel from Isle of Wight Bus and Rail Users' Group meeting|url=https://onthewight.com/hear-latest-on-buses-trains-and-road-travel-from-isle-of-wight-bus-and-rail-users-group-meeting/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122162721/https://onthewight.com/hear-latest-on-buses-trains-and-road-travel-from-isle-of-wight-bus-and-rail-users-group-meeting/|archive-date=22 January 2020|access-date=6 May 2020|publisher=On The Wight}}</ref> which implies that the existing passing points would remain operable. A total of 7,000{{nbsp}}[[tonne]]s of [[spoil tip|spoil]] was expected to be removed during the work.<ref name="OTW BRUG Jan20" />

The original plan as announced in September 2019 was that most of the work on the track would take place over the winter of 2020–2021, with a "shuttle" train service planned during this period.<ref name="OTW rollout">{{cite news|url=https://onthewight.com/rollout-schedule-for-new-island-line-trains-enhancements-and-what-we-can-expect/|title=Rollout schedule for new Island Line trains, enhancements and what we can expect|publisher=On The Wight|author=Simon Perry|date=17 September 2019|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref> Rail services were expected to be replaced by buses between {{rws|Shanklin}} and {{rws|Ryde St John's Road}} for 8 weeks in Autumn 2020 while the work was done, with a four-week suspension expected between St John's Road and {{rws|Ryde Pier Head}}.<ref name="OTW BRUG Jan20" /> However, delivery of the upgrade was delayed due to the effect of the [[coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom|coronavirus pandemic]]. In August 2020, it was announced that instead of two different closure periods, the line would close completely from 4 January until 31 March 2021 for physical upgrades including platform work and the Brading loop.<ref name="OTW full closure" /><ref name="IWCP full closure" /> Buses were to replace trains between {{rws|Ryde Esplanade}} and Shanklin during the work with a minibus shuttle service to connect Ryde Esplanade to Ryde Pier Head, although the latter was not operated while the catamaran ferry was suspended.<ref name="OTW full closure">{{cite web|last=Perry|first=Sally|date=20 August 2020|title=Dates announced for Island Line rail work in prep for new trains – Plus photos of new trains|url=https://onthewight.com/dates-announced-for-island-line-rail-work-in-prep-for-new-trains-plus-photos-of-new-trains/|access-date=23 August 2020|publisher=On The Wight}}</ref><ref name="IWCP full closure">{{cite web|url=https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/18664883.isle-wight-faces-three-months-no-trains-island-line/|title=Isle of Wight faces three months with no trains on Island Line|publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]]|first=Alan|last=Marriot|date=20 August 2020}}</ref><ref name="SWR project Jan">{{cite web|url=https://www.southwesternrailway.com/destinations-and-offers/island-line/island-line-engineering-work|title=Island Line Engineering Works|publisher=[[South Western Railway (train operating company)|South Western Railway]]|accessdate=17 February 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119080613/https://www.southwesternrailway.com/destinations-and-offers/island-line/island-line-engineering-work|archivedate=19 January 2021}}</ref> The rolling stock was also delayed due to delays at the manufacturer,<ref name="OTW 484 delay">{{cite web|last=Sally|first=Perry|date=1 June 2020|title=New Island Line trains will be delayed|url=https://onthewight.com/new-island-line-trains-will-be-delayed/|access-date=23 August 2020|publisher=On The Wight}}</ref> and the first of the Class 484 trains was delivered in November 2020.<ref>{{cite web|date=20 November 2020|title=Isle of Wight receives first 'new' train for Island Line|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-55006434|access-date=4 April 2021|publisher=BBC News|location=|quote=}}</ref> In February 2021, it was announced that progress on the upgrade work and on the new trains had been further delayed due to the pandemic, requiring the line to close for six weeks longer than originally announced, meaning trains were not expected to run again until May.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/19086091.covid-forces-six-week-delay-island-line-work/|publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]]|title=Covid forces six week delay to Island Line work|author=Lucy Morgan|date=12 February 2021|accessdate=17 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=12 February 2021|title=Delay to Island Line reopening announced – Covid cited|publisher=On The Wight|url=https://onthewight.com/delay-to-island-line-reopening-announced-covid-cited/|accessdate=17 February 2021}}</ref> Subsequently, problems with software on the new trains delayed their introduction until later in the year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Train issues delay Island Line reopening |url=https://www.southwesternrailway.com/other/news-and-media/news/2021/april/train-issues-delay-island-line-reopening |website=SWR |date=27 April 2021}}</ref> In August 2021, flooding caused damage at 16 sites on Island Line, with 200{{nbsp}}tonnes of ballast from the mainland needed to carry out repairs. However good progress has been made with the testing of the trains and the infrastructure works are largely complete with only snagging items to deal with. The line reopened on 1 November 2021.<ref name="bbcreop">{{cite news |date=1 November 2021 |title=Isle of Wight rail line reopens 10 months after £26m overhaul |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-59117451 |work=BBC News |access-date=2 November 2021}} </ref>

=== 2022–2023 upgrade work ===
Between October 2022 and June 2023, Ryde Pier Head was closed to facilitate a £17 million repair and upgrade to the pier, as it was coming towards the end of its operational life.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryde Pier |url=https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/planned-improvements/ryde-pier |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008101937/https://www.southwesternrailway.com/plan-my-journey/planned-improvements/ryde-pier |archive-date=2023-10-08 |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=Southwestern Railway |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Toogood |first=Darren |date=2022-05-25 |title=ISLAND LINE WON'T SERVE RYDE PIER HEAD FOR 3 MONTHS DURING £17MILLION REPAIR SCHEME |url=https://www.islandecho.co.uk/island-line-wont-serve-ryde-pier-head-for-7-months-during-17million-repair-scheme/ |access-date=2023-01-08 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Ryde Esplanade was announced to have improvement works, to include a café, a link to Ryde Pier Head, a new waiting hall, a ticket office, an operations room and better staff accommodation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Toogood |first=Darren |date=2022-07-19 |title=FUTURE OF RYDE'S ESPLANADE STATION REVEALED AS PART OF SEAFRONT REDEVELOPMENT |url=https://www.islandecho.co.uk/future-of-rydes-esplanade-station-revealed-as-part-of-seafront-redevelopment/ |access-date=2023-01-08 |language=en-GB}}</ref> To begin works, the station was closed briefly in March 2023 and works were finished in August 2024.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Multi-million pound improvement works at Ryde Interchange now complete |url=http://www.iow.gov.uk/news/multi-million-pound-improvement-works-at-ryde-interchange-now-complete/ |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Isle of Wight Council |language=en}}</ref> The site as a whole was named as [[Ryde Transport Interchange]], however the train station is still known as Ryde Esplanade.

=== 2024–2025 upgrade work ===
Subsequently, in June 2024, it was reported that Ryde Pier would once again be closed for additional repair work. This closure was necessitated by the incomplete repairs from the previous work conducted between 2022 and 2023. On September 6, 2024, the Pier was closed until May 2025 to accommodate these repairs. Furthermore, the entire line was shut down for a week prior to reopening to allow for further engineering tasks and driver retraining.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-18 |title=ISLAND LINE TO RUN UP RYDE PIER FROM EARLY MAY – BUT AFTER 6-DAY FULL LINE CLOSURE |url=https://www.islandecho.co.uk/island-line-to-run-up-ryde-pier-from-early-may-but-after-6-day-full-line-closure/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Isle of Wight News - Island Echo |language=en-GB}}</ref> Additionally, the project exceeded its budget, totalling £20 million, which is an increase from the previously announced £17 million by South Western Railway and Network Rail.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-09 |title=£20 million to get to the end of the pier! |url=https://iwobserver.co.uk/20-million-to-get-to-the-end-of-the-pier/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Isle of Wight Observer News |language=en-US}}</ref>

===South Western Railway nationalised (2025-present)===
As of 2025, the Island Line on the Isle of Wight has returned to public ownership for the first time since 1997, following the UK Government’s broader initiative to renationalise railway services. Previously operated by South Western Railway (SWR)—a joint venture between FirstGroup and MTR Corporation—the line is now managed by the Department for Transport. This transition marks the beginning of integration into Great British Railways (GBR), a new public sector body tasked with overseeing both rail services and infrastructure. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander hailed the move as “a new dawn for our railways,” signalling a shift away from the inefficiencies of privatisation toward a more unified and accountable national network.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-25 |title=Isle of Wight train services nationalised for first time in decades |url=https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/25189765.isle-wight-train-services-renationalised-first-time-decades/ |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=Isle of Wight County Press |language=en-UK}}</ref>

==Future==
A number of suggestions have been made for the future of the railway, which faces long-standing issues such as the cost of maintaining Ryde Pier.<ref name="IWCPpiermoneyconfirmed">{{cite news|url=https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/17332877.good-news-for-island-line-passengers-government-pledges-to-maintain-ryde-pier-railway-line|title=Good news for Island Line passengers — government pledges to maintain Ryde Pier railway line|publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]]|date=4 January 2019|access-date=20 September 2019}}</ref> Proposals for the route have ranged from total closure {{ndash}} something also explored in the 1960s<ref name="TubeTrains p19-20">{{harvnb|Hardy|2003|pages=19–20}}</ref> {{ndash}} to major rebuilding as [[light rail]].

===Past proposals===
In the mid-1990s it was proposed to reopen the line south of Shanklin, to the original terminus at {{rws|Ventnor}}.{{citation needed|date=January 2015}} Despite the high costs involved, the island's MP in 2018 called for feasibility studies on this project and on the prospect of trains running between Ryde and Newport using a mix of the existing heritage railway and a rebuilt section of line between Wooton and Newport.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://onthewight.com/isle-of-wight-mp-appeals-for-feasibility-cash-to-extend-island-line/|title=Isle of Wight MP appeals for feasibility cash to extend Island Line|publisher=On The Wight|date=31 January 2018|access-date=20 September 2019}}</ref>

Other proposals put forward for the future of the railway line have included converting the line to a [[guided busway]], something considered in 2005,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/buses-on-rail-lines-no-easy-answer-8976.aspx |title=Buses on Rail Lines No Easy Answer |date=22 April 2005 |access-date=22 July 2008 |publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118162729/http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/buses-on-rail-lines-no-easy-answer-8976.aspx |archive-date=18 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the late 2010s as part of a consultation on the line's future.<ref name="IWbususersresponse">{{cite web|url=https://iwbususers.btck.co.uk/ResponsetoConsultationonIslandLine|title=Isle of Wight Bus and Rail Users' Group - Response to Island Line Consultation|publisher=Isle of Wight Bus and Rail Users' Group|access-date=20 September 2019}}</ref> The first plan for a [[Solent]] tunnel to connect the island's railways to the mainland network was authorised in the early 20th century<ref name="BeaconIWSR">{{cite web|url=http://www.iwbeacon.com/The-Isle-of-Wight-Steam-Railway.aspx|title=The Isle of Wight Steam Railway|publisher=Isle of Wight Beacon|access-date=22 March 2009}}</ref> and although work to build a rail tunnel has never started, this proposal has resurfaced several times in more recent history.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/tram-link-idea-wins-poll-approval-20024.aspx |title=Tram Link Idea Wins Poll Approval |date=11 April 2008 |access-date=22 July 2008 |publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023011733/http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/tram-link-idea-wins-poll-approval-20024.aspx |archive-date=23 October 2017 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

There have also been proposals to rebuild the line as a [[light rail]] route at several points, which would potentially allow for extension into Shanklin and other town centres,<ref name="TubeTrains">{{harvnb|Hardy|2003}}</ref> the most recent being after a 2016 review of the route by transport expert Christopher Garnett commissioned by the Isle of Wight Council. It suggested converting the route with the third rail replaced with overhead lines and the remaining [[double-track]] singled with just passing loops provided. It was reported that ten [[Midland Metro rolling stock#T-69|T-69 trams]] which were built in 1999, and had previously operated on the [[Midland Metro]], could be re-used for this scheme.<ref>{{cite web|title=Is the Future Trams and Steam Trains into Ryde?|url=http://www.islandecho.co.uk/news/is-the-future-trams-and-steam-trains-into-ryde|website=islandecho.co.uk|date=5 February 2016 |publisher=Island Echo|access-date=18 February 2016}}</ref> The Isle of Wight Council's Local Transport Plan previously mentioned that any improvements to the railway should ensure compatibility with the currently shelved [[Portsmouth#Light rapid transit and monorail|South Hampshire Rapid Transit]] scheme.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} None of these light rail ideas have been progressed.

''[[The Railway Magazine]]'' reported that a meeting took place on 11 February 2015 which covered a relaxation of public railway regulation and safety standards as well as transferring the line to a [[Social Enterprise]] Company. According to ''RM'', people present at the meeting included [[Claire Perry]] (Rail Minister), [[Andrew Turner (politician)|Andrew Turner]] (MP for the Isle of Wight), Nick Finney (Turner's transport advisor) and local councillors. News of the meeting gave rise to local controversy.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Marsh|first=Phil|date=November 2015|title=Controversy raging over proposals for Island Line|journal=[[The Railway Magazine]]|volume=161|issue=1376|page=8}}</ref>

===2020 Ideas Fund===
On 23 May 2020, the [[Department for Transport]] announced that approval had been given to investigate the possible reinstatement of some or all of the tracks between Shanklin and Ventnor and Ryde and Newport.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Restoring Your Railway Fund|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/re-opening-beeching-era-lines-and-stations/re-opening-beeching-era-lines-and-stations|access-date=2021-07-25|website=GOV.UK|language=en}}</ref> It was one of ten schemes across UK approved for more study under an "Ideas Fund". The feasibility studies into reopening the two rail routes began in January 2021.<ref>{{cite news|date=21 January 2021|title=Feasibility study into extending Island Line to Ventnor and Newport underway|publisher=On The Wight|url=https://onthewight.com/feasibility-study-into-extending-island-line-to-ventnor-and-newport-underway/|accessdate=17 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/19028821.government-money-look-extending-isle-wight-railways/|title=Government money to look at extending Isle of Wight railways|publisher=[[Isle of Wight County Press]]|date=21 January 2021|author=Lori Little}}</ref>

In July 2021, an outline case was submitted by the [[Isle of Wight Council]] to the Department for Transport, seeking funding for a £67{{nbsp}}million project to study the feasibility of restoring the link between the existing Ryde to Shanklin line and the island's main town, [[Newport, Isle of Wight|Newport]], running via [[Blackwater railway station (Isle of Wight)|Blackwater]]. The trackbed of this line "remains very largely intact", making it the most viable line.<ref name="bbc-2021">{{cite news |last1=Clifton |first1=Paul |title=Isle of Wight railway £67m extension plans submitted |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-57751347 |access-date=18 October 2021 |work=BBC News |date=7 July 2021}}</ref> The line, closed in 1956, was once part of [[Isle of Wight Central Railway|a 55-mile network]] stretching across the island. [[Newport railway station (Isle of Wight Central Railway)|Newport station]] was demolished in 1971. If it is approved by the government through the [[Restoring Your Railway]] programme, the next stage would entail the authority preparing a more detailed business plan.<ref name="clifton">{{cite magazine |last=Clifton |first=Paul |date=28 July 2021 |title=£67 million Isle of Wight line extension submitted to DfT |magazine=[[Rail (magazine)|RAIL]] |issue=936 |publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]] |page=21 }}</ref> In June 2022, the Department for Transport posted a Programme Update of the Restore Your Railway (RYR). The Island Line branch line is listed under 'Schemes not progressing to delivery under RYR'. The Island Line proposal will be given detailed feedback including recommended next steps and alternative routes for consideration as appropriate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1083756/restoring-your-railway-programme-update.pdf|publisher=[[Department for Transport]]|title=Restoring Your Railway Fund Programme Update June 2022|date=June 2022|page=15|access-date=19 June 2022}}</ref>

==Rolling stock==
{{main|British Rail Class 483|British Rail Class 484}}
[[File:Island_Line,_IW.jpg|thumb|right|The line between Ryde and Brading]]
Due to the isolated and rural nature of the Isle of Wight's railways, rolling stock has tended to be made up from displaced older vehicles, rebuilt or modified as required. Following the work undertaken during the line's closure during the winter of 1966&ndash;1967, the ceiling of Ryde Tunnel is {{convert|10|in|mm|-1}} too low for standard National Rail vehicle types to clear.<ref name="1938stock"/>

Since the reopening of the line in 1967, former London Underground Tube stock has been used. The initial trains were formed of so-called [[London Underground Standard Stock|Standard Stock]], made up into four- and three-coach sets (with one spare vehicle, normally kept at Ryde depot), designated "4-VEC" and "3-TIS" in the British Rail Southern Region electric multiple unit classification system. (The classification letters were a pun on the Roman name for the island, ''Vectis'') Under the British Railways [[TOPS]] rolling stock classification system, these units eventually became [[British Rail Class 485|Class 485]] and [[British Rail Class 486|Class 486]]. The cars transferred to the island were built at various dates between 1923 and 1934, and thus maintained a somewhat unwelcome tradition of providing the island's railways with among the oldest rolling stock running anywhere on the British railway system.

By 1992,{{sfn|Hardy|2003|p=46}} the 485s and 486s had been replaced by newly refurbished [[London Underground 1938 Stock]], designated [[British Rail Class 483|Class 483]] by British Rail.

In September 2019, it was announced that the entire fleet of 483s would be replaced by [[British Rail Class 484|Class 484]] trains, based on [[London Underground D78 Stock]], during 2020. The stock is maintained at [[Ryde depot|Ryde St John's Road depot]]. The Class 484s entered service in November 2021 after the ten-month works closure of the line, the elderly Class 483s having been withdrawn that January.

==Annual season tickets==
Annual season tickets issued to and from the Island Line's stations are issued as [[Concessionary fares on the British railway network#Gold Card and Gold Card Partner's Card|Gold Cards]]. A ticket from Ryde Esplanade to Ryde St Johns Road was, for many years, the cheapest annual ticket in the area; even though many holders of such tickets never use them for the intended journey, the discount obtained over the year (one-third off travel during off-peak hours in the Gold Card area) may amply repay the cost of the ticket.<ref name=gcBenefits>{{cite web|last1=Barkham |first1=Patrick |title=Any more routes to cheaper train travel?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/blog/2007/jan/04/anymoreroutestocheapertra|website=The Guardian|date=4 January 2007 |access-date=19 July 2018}}</ref>

When the Gold Card area was extended to include the West Midlands in January 2015,<ref name=gcExtension2015>{{cite web|title=Gold Card Benefits extended|url=http://www.modern-railways.com/view_article.asp?ID=8411|website=Modern Railways|access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref> the Ryde ticket was undercut by a similar short-distance ticket between [[Lichfield City railway station|Lichfield City]] and [[Lichfield Trent Valley railway station|Lichfield Trent Valley]].<ref name=gcLichfield>{{cite web|title=Cut the cost of rail travel|url=http://www.railfuture.org.uk/article1532-Cut-the-cost-of-rail-travel|website=Rail Future|access-date=19 July 2018}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Island Line (brand)]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Sources===
* {{Cite book
  | first = Brian
  | last = Hardy
  | title = Tube Trains on the Isle of Wight
  | publisher=Capital Transport
  | year = 2003
  | location = Harrow Weald, Middlesex
  | isbn = 1-85414-276-3
  }}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
*[https://player.vimeo.com/video/489458776 Video of newer rolling stock] South Western Railways.
*{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110417021600/http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/Island-Line-Historical-Train-Map.aspx Island Line Historical Train Map ]}}

{{Island Line, Isle of Wight navbox}}
{{Transport on the Isle of Wight}}
{{Railway lines in South East England}}

{{Use British English|date=August 2010}}

[[Category:Rail transport on the Isle of Wight]]
[[Category:Community railway lines in England]]
[[Category:Railway lines in South East England]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in England]]