By Isle of Wight Observer
Island Line has climbed back to its previous passenger numbers, with figures from the Office of Rail and Road confirming that April 2025 station usage finally matched the levels seen in 2018/19. The recovery follows the Covid pandemic, the full shut-down of Island Line, from January to November 2021 (and later closures) affecting services up the pier. But just as confidence has returned, the line is heading for another extended interruption next month, as Network Rail undertakes major infrastructure work.
The railway will shut in two phases between October 31 and November 29. From October 31 to November 15, no trains will run at all between Shanklin and Ryde Pier Head. From November 16 to November 29, the closure will shorten to the stretch between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde St John’s Road. Buses will replace services during both closures.
Work to be carried out includes renewing track on the line towards Shanklin between Ryde tunnel and Ryde St John’s Road, refurbishing footbridges at Ryde Esplanade and Ryde St John’s Road, refurbishing equipment in the Ryde St John’s signal box, tamping the full line to improve ride quality, clearing vegetation, strengthening structures beneath Ryde Pier, and carrying out a full track inspection.
Line closures have a clear impact on passenger numbers. Usage drops sharply during shut-downs, even partial ones, and takes time to recover once trains return. Transport experts say prolonged interruptions change travel habits: when rail is unavailable for weeks or months, regular users switch to other modes of transport, and some do not return when the line reopens. Repeated closures also affect public confidence, making the service feel less dependable which also negatively affects usage.
Network Rail says the works are essential to protect the long term viability of the route.
