Trains may become available for residents and visitors in Jersey, making a return after nearly 100 years – and it means transport across the island may be easier than ever
It might be easier than ever for Brits to travel to this popular UK holiday spot – as trains may become available in Jersey for the first time again since 1936.
There haven’t been trains in the largest Channel Island in nearly a century, but Jersey Western Railway (JWR) are hoping to bring them back making it easier for people travelling around to the island.
JWR has expressed interest which will provide “affordable, comfortable and sustainable transport for Jersey”, and the trains will follow most of the same original routes.
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It would run from its capital St Helier with branches to both La Corbière and the airport. Then in the long run will roll out a dedicated beach service, a direct service from Trenton Square to Jersey Airport, and even a steam train.
There will be free passes for the over-65s and people with a medical or mobility issues, but while there are no solid plans in place, according to the BBC, Alexander Sparrow, founder of JWR, said if the plans were backed, trains would run every seven-and-a-half minutes with a journey costing £4.90.
The Jersey Western Railway service website is encouraging people to express their intrest in a bid to get the trains back. The website reads: “There is only one person in the Government that can approve this on the Island. The Infrastructure Minister. They need to see the interest and wish for the railway to return.
“With your responses, we can prove that Islander’s and Tourists alike, wish for this service to return and restore a bit of Jersey’s History in the process too!”
The old railway service was first opened in 1870 and ran between St Helier and St Aubin with hourly services which were then increased to half-hourly. Then came the launch of a second railway three years later known as Jersey Eastern Railway which took people from St Helier to Gorey Pier.
Bus services then launched which is what is believed to end the popularity of the trains as these buses were operating further and cheaper. The Jersey Eastern Railway closed down in 1929 and the Jersey Railway ended in 1936. However there are still two trains that run, known as Le Petite Train.
The minature trains operate on a small scenic path across St Aubin Bay and runs seven days a week. It can accommodate up to 60 people and is a great attraction for tourists to see the island – however it’s not a commuters journey.
The railway tracks are still there, but have been made into a walking and cycling route instead and visitors can walk or cycle from St Aubin to La Corbière through tree lined track to take in views of St Owen’s Bay and La Corbière Lighthouse which is at the end of the route.
