Minister of Transport and Works, Hon Mike Henry, has indicated that in mid-April there will be a test run of the railway service between May Pen, Clarendon and Linstead, St. Catherine, as the Government seeks to rehabilitate the system. Mr. Henry explained that since no deals have yet been reached with prospective investors, the existing system will be used, with coaches and engines that have been rebuilt, for the test run on Saturday, April 16.
“We have had to reclaim the railway station in Spanish Town, we have had to clean that up…we have re-laid lines, and all of that is done with what we have…we have had to sell land, what we have done is utilized assets which were abandoned,” he said.
Mr. Henry told Wednesday’s March 30 Jamaica House press briefing that the talks are advanced with at least four investors from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, he emphasised that when the railway system is rehabilitated, it will not be competing with other modes of transportation, but will support and enhance public transportation.
“I’m told its $160 by route taxi or bus through the (Bog Walk) Gorge…I’m not intending for the railway to come in and charge $100, because I have to take into consideration how that impacts (on other modes of transport)…I am not trying to take away passengers, I am trying to share the method of transport,” he outlined.
Mr. Henry noted that the entire transport system is being overhauled, “to integrate travel, and ensure that everyone earns a proper living”.
Source – JIS
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Well I happy that the minister of Transport the Hon. Mike Henry is reiterating the rail system in Jamaica between May Pen and Linstead which gives consumes /travelers an alternative form of transport. I would also hope that it would eventually link the eastern and western parishes eventually Kingston, Montego Bay and quite possible in the future to include Negril, Ocho Rios, St Mary and Portland this would also give tourists the opportunity to see our exuberant countryside from the train and at the same time boost our tourist industry. If I may I would also mention the road conditions in Hanover and Westmoreland. I reside in North America for 21 years and faithfully return to Jamaica once or twice a year to be with my adorable family especially my mother Elsa Hislop. Each time I return the road conditions are only worse and very frustrating. Mayfield falls is a destination that is visited by tourists year round and the route from Montego Bay to MayFields fall is simply described as horrible. My husband who is an american said he has never seen roads like these. Can we repair these roads to make them more user friendly and less dangerous.Thanks Beryl Wilson