WIGHT SIDE OF THE TRACKS

Despite its railway network, the Isle of Wight suffers considerable road congestion, particularly during the summer tourist season. It is arugued that lines should be extended to Ventnor and Newport, which were closed in the 1960s. A major decision has to be made by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) concerning the future of the line after 2003. The main options being considered are a light rail system or a guided busway, although the retention of heavy rail is being considered. Of the options, the light rail scheme is favoured as it would be cheap to maintain while providing a rail-based service. It would cover the existing rail route initially with possible extensions over disused railway lines and potentially spread into town centres.