First Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire’s newly formed rail replacement unit is currently delivering its first contract. It is in the form of a six-bus service that is standing in for the Isle of Wight’s Island Line between Ryde and Shanklin until 31 March.
Work to upgrade the Island Line – part of the South West Railway franchise, which is held by FirstGroup – is part of a £26m investment that will see modernised rolling stock delivered. The bus operator has arranged a ‘pop up’ depot on the Isle of Wight to handle parking and servicing.
Says First Hampshire, Dorset and Berkshire Managing Director Marc Reddy: “We’re delighted to announce that we have set up a dedicated rail replacement business unit, which is already executing its first contract on the Isle of Wight for Island Line customers.”
First adds that the majority of drivers being utilised on the Isle of Wight rail replacement work are island residents.
