Joe Robertson, who since being elected has continually been campaigning local transport improvements on the Isle of Wight, met with the IW Bus and Rail Users Group in Shanklin to address key transport challenges facing island residents. The discussion focused on enhancing connectivity at Ryde Pier Head, optimizing the Island Line, and improving bus services across the Isle of Wight.
During the meeting, members of the IW Bus and Rail Users Group raised several critical concerns, including:
- Connectivity and Accessibility: The need to synchronize train schedules with ferry times to ensure seamless travel connections at St Johns and Ryde Pier Head.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Calls for essential track upgrades to increase train speeds and alleviate limitations at Shanklin Platform, which currently restricts access for some residents.
- Ticketing, pricing and School Transport Capacity: Frustrations with outdated ticket machines offering only off-peak tickets and the limited capacity of school bus services.
- Portsmouth Harbour Link: Growing concerns over recent timetable changes affecting Portsmouth Harbour connections, implemented without public consultation.
Joe Robertson reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for local transport needs, stressing the importance of government intervention to protect the Island's connectivity and prevent it from becoming the only part of the UK reliant solely on privately and foreign-owned operators.
To ensure ongoing progress, Robertson committed to keeping an open dialogue with the IW Bus and Rail Users Group and will seek follow-up meetings with Island Line and Southwestern Rail representatives.
