A HIGHER than expected rate of wheel wear to South Western Railway’s Class 484 electric multiple unit fleet has prompted the operator to halve its Island Line timetable while the problem is addressed.
An hourly service was introduced between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin on the Isle of Wight at the beginning of March, although SWR expected to temporarily reinstate half-hourly trains for the Easter holidays.
Unknown cause
SWR told The RM that the reduction in services would cut down wheel wear while the problem was investigated. A spokesman added that the company’s engineering team was working with a“range of experts”to understand the cause. It will then assess whether measures are needed to prevent the problem occurring again. In the meantime, more wheel sets have been ordered for the units.
How long it will take to
