KILF Petition: KEEP ISLAND LINE IN THE SOUTH WESTERN RAIL FRANCHISE; NOT A SELF-SUSTAINING BUSINESS.

KEEP ISLAND LINE IN THE SOUTH WESTERN RAIL FRANCHISE; NOT A SELF-SUSTAINING BUSINESS.

The DfT plans to turn Island Line into a separate self-sustaining business during the life of the next franchise (2017 onwards). We believe this essential service should instead – like other branch lines – continue to be supported within a wider network, with the franchisee required to invest in it.

The proposals are set out in the South Western rail franchise stakeholder consultation document, which was published on 12 November 2015. The Rail Minister Claire Perry MP also outlined the plans in September: www.gov.uk/…/new-proposals-for-isle-of-wight-rail-services-…. The Government are proposing that lesser-used community rail routes (such as Brockenhurst to Lymington) should be fully included in the franchise model. Island Line should continue to have the same support.

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You can sign the petition by clicking on the link below:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/117990

Any British citizens and UK residents can sign the petition; so any mainlanders with an interest in Island Line should be encouraged to sign.

Please note your name will not be published, but you will be asked to verify your details by clicking on an email link.

We will now be promoting the petition far and wide, as if we can secure 10,000 signatures it will get a response from the government.

The petition will also complement our current preparations for responding to the consultation (ending on 9th February), as it will help us demonstrate the strength of support for keeping Island Line in the franchise.

Thanks in advance for your support!