Passenger train off to good start

Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry is expressing satisfaction with the smooth first run of the Jamaica Railway Corporation's (JRC) passenger service between Linstead and Spanish Town in St Catherine.

Henry, in noting that the temporary resumption of the rail service was timed to coincide with the closure of the Bog Walk gorge, said the rail service was still being fine-tuned going forward.

More than 150 people travelled on the first run to Spanish Town.

"The reports all pointed to a successful start which, if maintained, will bring much greater comfort to travelling between Linstead and Spanish Town," the minister said.

"Based on the progress being made, it is becoming abundantly clear that some very good things are happening in this country, and if we only cooperate and combine our ideas and determination, a lot more success can be achieved."

The Gleaner caught up with some commuters who said they were elated about the service which saved them time and money from taking the alternative routes of Barry or Sligoville to Spanish Town.

"Thank God the train is running this morning because it cut down on the amount of money I would have to pay around the long routes, and it also saves time," Audrey Anderson told The Gleaner.

Another commuter who spoke highly about the ride said it had come at the right time.

"We got a break from the lengthy delays on the streets because we had no traffic to deal with. Now that the gorge block, we would have a terrible month, so I am very thankful for the service," Dorrette Small said, while other persons indicated that they parked their vehicles to get on-board.