An end of an era milestone has been reached as the 82-year-old trains on the Isle of Wight have been withdrawn from service.

The final Class 483 train has departed Ryde Pier Head at 23:17 last night and has closed their chapter in operating on the Island Line.

However, people can now look forward to a new flee to trains from this Spring.

Class 483s have travelling more than 3 million miles, however, they are now heading for retirement. One will be heading to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, whilst another unit will be going to the London Traction Transport Group for use on the Epping Ongar Railway.

Commenting, South Western Railway’s Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “Today we’re saying goodbye to a truly iconic train fleet which is held in great affection by people living on the Island and elsewhere.

“These trains had already been carrying passengers for half a century by the time they arrived on the Island in 1989, coincidentally the same year that I started my first job on the railway, but they have served our customers well – even if they have on occasion shown their age. This is in no small part thanks to the exceptional team at Ryde Depot, who have gone above and beyond to keep the trains running.

“While this may be an emotional end to one era, it’s also the start of an exciting new one. The £26 million being invested in new trains and major infrastructure upgrades will help to deliver a railway fit for 2021, with performance and customer experience both set to be transformed. “

Steve Backhouse, General Manager at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway said: “The Isle of Wight Steam Railway already has a world-class collection of carriages dating back to the opening of the Ryde to Shanklin line in 1864. The 1938 stock have been an iconic feature of the Isle of Wight for the last 30 years and we’re delighted that a unit will be preserved at Havenstreet so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.”

Daniel Nash, Secretary of the London Transport Traction Group, said: “80 years after delivery to London Transport, we’re excited to be bringing unit 483006 back to a former tube line at the Epping Ongar Railway. We hope that enthusiasts who have not been able to make it to the Island today due to the current restrictions will support us and help us to keep one of these trains running in preservation. Although they have finished on the Island Line, this will not be the last chance to ride on one of the trains.”

The 1938 trains were first used on the London Underground network before transferring to the Isle of Wight in 1989. The new trains are also former London Underground trains, which were previously used on the District Line.

Major improvements must take place first, and these will take place between the 4th January and 31st March, with no service on the Island Line.

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