Ryde Transport Interchange 2.04

Ryde Transport Interchange or Gateway serves the town of Ryde, Isle of Wight, England.The interchange consists of Ryde Esplanade railway station on the Island Line, the connected bus station and taxi ranks, and the nearby Hoverport. The existing facilities were due to be rebuilt from October 2007. Due to financial difficulties and contract checking, it briefly looked like the project might not proceed. From late November 2008 to October 2009 it appeared that the project was back on track, with work expected to take place, albeit about 18 months later than originally planned, however, in October it was announced that due to increasing costs and difficulties with the ownership of land with Network Rail that the scheme again looked as though it would be abandoned as money could be more easily spent on making immediate improvements to Ryde Esplanade. On 13 October, the Council's cabinet voted to close the scheme.Ryde Esplanade railway stationRyde Esplanade station is unique on the island in being built both on land and over sea, as the northwestern part is part of Ryde Pier, while the southeastern part is on the shore. There are two platform faces, although only one is in regular use. Trains serve the station on their way between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin.Ryde bus stationRyde bus station is located on the railway station forecourt, and it forms the only purpose-built bus/rail interchange on the Island. The bus station is on long term lease to Southern Vectis from Network Rail.