A shortage of rolling stock has been impacting passengers using Island Line services on the Isle of Wight. There was little chance of social distancing on this busy lunchtime service between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin on September 19, but at least there's 100% face covering compliance. Island Line services will cease at the end of the year to permit an upgrade, with new Class 484 Vivarail trains from Spring 2021.
PAUL MIDDLETON
THE tremendous success of the 'Staycation Express', a six-day-a-week, three-times-a-day charter operation spanning eight weeks and running over the most scenic sections of the SettleCarlisle line, has highlighted a number of positive factors, which could bring changes to the railtour market.
These trains have proved, with the right route and traction, demand is there for a short operation, meaning customers are not cocooned inside a carriage for hours on end. Had it not been for Covid-19 and the need to break lockdown boredom, this operation might not have been conceived.