Wight Rails (Island Line Isle of Wight)

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	Island Line Isle of Wight
Date:	16/11/08 (126 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very Efficient

Disadvantages: Limited Destinations

Little trains!

'Island Line' is the company that runs the train service of the Isle of Wight. The Island has a limited stretch of rail-track which runs from the end of Ryde Pier in the North of the Island, to Sandown on the South-East coast. This actually represents quite a limited route, and doesn't even reach capital town Newport, which is in the centre of the Island.

Island Line won the franchise to operate the trains from 1996, and since that time have official become been "Britain's most reliable and punctual train company". This claim may seem impressive, but the shortness of the route (8.5 miles) is probably the reason for the efficiency!

The trains used are ex-London Underground vehicles which have been refurbished internally and externally. These are somewhat dated in appearance, but generally reliable. In terms of the ride, the trains are fairly smooth, although some of the track near the Sandown end of the line can be quite bumpy - especially when the trains reach their top speed of just over 40 mph.

Island Line runs a regular service which starts fairly early in the morning, but unfortunately, the trains don't operate much past 10 at night - so if you're relying on a train to get you back from a late night gig, you may well be disappointed.

Having access to a car, I don't generally use the train service on the Isle of Wight. However, when I have, the experience has always been punctual and pleasant. That said, the route is so limited that it's really only a viable option for tourists visiting the resorts on the south east coast.

If I was rating this review on efficiency alone, I would give Island Line full marks - however, I have to consider both the limited operating hours and the general coverage. As such, it 3/5 for me.

For more information, see www.island-line.co.uk.

Summary: Good Train Service