Isle of Wight route gets community accolade
28 Mar 2006
The Island Line, on the Isle of Wight, has been named as a community rail route by the government.This status is awarded for the close involvement of local people and groups in managing rail routes and delivering improvements, including partnerships with operators, station adoptions, and improved integration with other forms of transport.
Improved park and ride facilities on the Island Line – one of the best performing routes in the country – was cited by the Department for Transport as one of the reasons for it winning community rail status.
Rail minister, Derek Twigg MP, said: “This will ensure management to meet local needs at an affordable price, encouraging involvement from stakeholders.” He also announced that core funding of £180,000 would be provided to the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP).