Questionnaire

During the consultation period (November 2001), the RPC compiled the following questionnaire in order to assist respondents. 

1. The conclusions in the report are based on the assumption that there would be no growth in passenger numbers. Do you think that this is realistic?

2. If yes, why?

3. If no, why not?

4. The Isle of Wight Council has commissioned a separate study to consider the case for, and the costs of, extending Islandline to Ventnor with potential integration with the existing Isle of Wight Steam Railway to provide passenger services through Smallbrook from Ryde to Newport and possibly on to Cowes. Do you think that extending the railway in that way would substantially increase passenger numbers?

5. If yes, why?

6. If no, why not?

7. The consultants were not asked to consider the costs and feasibility of a fixed rail link to the mainland. Do you think this option should be investigated?

8. If yes, why?

9. If no, why not?

10. Most of the options presented in the report for investing in improvements to Islandline services are based on the assumption that the conductor/guards would go and that the trains would become driver only operated (DOO). Do you think that this is a good or bad idea?

11. If you think this is a good idea, why?

12. If you think this is a bad idea, why?

13. One of the key messages that came out of our February conference on Islandline was that existing connections with ferries and buses were poor. The report quotes Wightlink ferry company as suggesting that at least ten minutes should be allowed between leaving the train and boarding the ferry, instead of the present three to five minutes. Do you agree?

14. If yes, why?

15. If no, why not?

16. What improvements to Islandline would you personally like to see?

17. Which, if any, of the options put forward in the consultants' report would you like to see implemented?

18. Which of the following best sums up your view, and why?

a. Should the future of the railway depend on the costs and revenues specific to Islandline (ie the income received from ticket sales plus the subsidy received from the Strategic Rail Authority balanced against the costs of operating the railway)?

b. Or should it be based on the costs versus revenue to other transport operators who benefit from Islandline bookings, both on the mainland and on the Island itself?

c. Or should benefits such as reduced traffic congestion, better access for disabled people and benefits to the Island's tourist economy also be taken into account?

NO QUESTIONS 19 & 20 

21. Is there a case for the Council or Island businesses, which would benefit from the railway, securing additional services or facilities which may not otherwise be affordable?

22. The report suggests that, while the present railway is safe, more money will need to be invested in maintaining the infrastructure to avoid costly problems in the long term but that a short train company franchise discourages this. Would you be in favour of a longer franchise - of 20 to 30 years - if more investment were made a condition of it?

23. If yes, why?

24. If no why not?

25. Do you have any other comments?