Isle of Wight Island Line train cancellations 'unacceptable'

South Western Railway (SWR), which runs the service, has apologised but warned more disruption is likely on its way.

There has been at least one journey cancelled on 16 of the 26 days so far in June. It means there have only been 10 days where the service has operated without disruption this month.

For 15 of them, the reason given is 'a shortage of train crew' or 'unavailability of staff'. The other was due to a technical problem.

The latest cancellations have come today (Monday).

SWR's website states 'train services running to and from Shanklin and Ryde may be delayed or revised.'

When contacted about the service's unreliability, a spokesperson told the County Press: “We would like to apologise to customers on the Isle of Wight for recent service issues on the Island Line which have mainly been caused by difficulties in getting cover for sick colleagues."

Asked what it plans to do to combat the disruption, the statement added: “Providing cover is likely to continue to be challenging for the remainder of June but colleagues will be doing everything they can to minimise the impact on our service.”

Users of the service have contacted the County Press to voice their frustration.

One visitor to the Island said they 'wont be coming back until the train situation is sorted out'.

While others have called the service 'hit and miss'.

"There really is no excuse for this", another said.

It has also drawn comparisons with the floating bridge — another mode of transport which has been plagued with issues.

Disruption is also expected into next month (July).

From Monday, July 3 to Friday, July 7, there will be a planned closure of the Island Line while staff complete refresher training in preparation for the reopening of the Ryde Pier rail line on Monday, July 10. 

During the closure, two rail replacement bus services per hour will run, in both directions, between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin.