By Phil Marsh
THE Department of Transport has extended a deadline for South Western Railway’s (SWR) plan to transform the operation of the Island Line on the Isle of Wight (IoW).
One of the franchise conditions of SWR taking over the loss-making Island Line was to work with the Isle of Wight Council and Isle of Wight Steam Railway, as official stakeholders, to identify a way of reducing losses while modernising the 8½-mile line.
This condition, called the ‘priced option’, was submitted to the DfT by the deadline of May 31, 2018, with an announcement from the DfT due by December 31, 2018 as to the way forward.
Read more in the February 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!

Railway Reads
From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.Get The Railway Hub Weekly Round-up
Enter your e-mail address below and you will receive weekly rail news straight into your inbox...You can unsubscribe at any time.

About the Author
- Rail fares increased across UK despite low demand for travel - 1st March 2021
- Events planned to mark 20th anniversary of worst rail crash of 21st century - 26th February 2021
- Rail minister announces plan to accelerate major rail projects - 26th February 2021