18th September 2019 · Customer and Communities Improvement

Presenter: Mark Youngman

Our intended speaker from South Western Railway, Phil Dominey, was on other Company business and Mark Youngman gave a presentation instead. With an interesting job title of ‘Customer and Communities Improvement fund manager’ Mark explained that under the franchise agreement SWR had to provide a fund of £5.3m to be spent on projects put forward by local bodies and societies. This might mean improving access to a station by removing overgrown shrubs or providing a childrens play area overlooking a station to try and encourage youngsters to see people using trains. This idea has been put forward for Ropley station on the Mid Hants. Projects totalling £15m have been put forward.

Of the numerous commitments in the SWT franchise agreement one involved modernising and upgrading the Isle of Wight line. Shortly before the meeting a decision on this was announced. Class 230 units will be provided, likely to be called class 484, to be introduced in May 2021. They will be electric trains.

The expected passing loop at Brading is included in the plans as is a second platform at Ryde Pier Head. The Island Council are providing funds towards the improvements.

On the mainland the class 701s should be in full service the autumn of 2020.

With audience involvement the subject turned the morbid subject of suicides and their effects on staff, passengers and witnesses.

An interesting and thought provoking evening and we thank Mark for his time.

If you wonder why class 484, the present stock is 483 and the earlier tube stock 485.