ISLAND Line which needs GBP 40 million to meet running costs and repairs in the next four years would easier to scrap and replace with a bus service, South West Trains told Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner in a briefing last year, he revealed today (Thursday).
Among the costs faced if rail services are to be maintained is £8 million of repairs to Ryde Pier, Mr Turner said
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Mr Turner said: "In May last year I attended a briefing from South West Trains (SWT) at which it was made clear to around 30 stakeholders including the Isle of Wight Council, Wightlink, Hovertravel and the Community Rail Partnership that a sustainable long-term strategy was needed before any further investment could be contemplated.
"To keep Island Line running up to 2019 would take about £40m, including repairs to Ryde Pier at an estimated cost of £8m.
"The expert task-force which would be able to consider future options for Island Line has not even been set up yet. If the Island is to get a fair share of the very substantial infrastructure money available the Council needs to signal their willingness to consider proposals that meet the requirements set out in the Spending Review and do so very quickly.
"Those people pretending there is no option other than to keep Island Line are living in cloud-cuckoo land. Putting their heads in the sand and ignoring what the government is so clearly saying is not going to achieve anything.
"The Council will be asked why the government should continue a £3m annual subsidy to a loss-making enterprise in dire need of substantial investment.
"If they are unwilling even to explore different ways of delivering the service they are in trouble. In my opinion simply saying 'We want things to stay the same’ will not be good enough.
"Even if they could somehow convince the government to continue with the ongoing subsidy it doesn’t address the need for substantial capital investment and Island Line would continue to deteriorate before our eyes.
"I have done my very best to open lines of communication and make it clear that there are ways forward for Island Line that will have the support of government, but the council must now urgently engage in pursuing options that meet the strict criteria set out in the spending review.
"Discussions about the future of Island Line have been going on for well over a year, with little apparent progress and now Ministers will be setting out plans on how to make the necessary savings in a matter of weeks.
"Planning for local transport is devolved to the council, as the local Transport Authority. I have given them all the support and help I can to ensure that Island Line can continue to serve the Island, but after this week’s announcement they need to step up to the mark very quickly."