Britain’s numerous independent railways were grouped into four main companies on 1st January 1923. This was a Government measure in the early post First World War period to make the country’s transport system more efficient. All the lines on the Isle of Wight became part of the Southern Railway.
The grouping was generally regarded as a benefit on the Island as the Southern Railway invested in new infrastructure and rolling stock. Service levels increased to cope with a between-wars boom in seaside holidays.