SOUTH Western Railway confirmed to MP Bob Seely they will start coordinating ferry and train times to help residents get on and off the Island.

SWR senior managers told Bob they will now work with Red Funnel and Wightlink to sync timetables with the Island line and mainland services.

The new regime will come into force when SWR establish new timings for the Portsmouth and Southampton lines.

There is already some integrated public transport, such as buses waiting for the Red Jet service from West Cowes to Southampton.

Bob said: "I am very pleased SWR is leading on this and is making this commitment to make lives easier for Islanders.

“It’s real progress from SWR and I hope the ferry companies will also work to achieve the improvement. It is long overdue, in my view, but better late than never."

The consultation process for future investment in Island Line closes on December 31 and Bob encouraged everyone to submit their views.