Trains may make a comeback to Jersey after an absence of 89 years. The island’s railway system ceased operations in 1936 due to stiff competition from the flourishing bus network at the time.
Jersey Western Railway (JWR) aims to reintroduce trains to offer affordable, comfortable, and eco-friendly transportation on the island. The company is urging the public to support the initiative by signing a petition to persuade the Infrastructure Minister, the sole authority capable of approving the project.
JWR plans to utilize a significant portion of the original Jersey Railway track bed, including extensions to the Airport and Corbière. Notably, the company envisions offering a specialized beach service for vacationers.
The proposed railway service will cater to various demographics, with complimentary passes for seniors and individuals with medical or mobility constraints. JWR’s founder, Alexander Sparrow, envisions trains running every seven-and-a-half minutes, with a cross-island journey priced at £4.90.
Beginning in 1870, Jersey’s rail legacy featured services connecting St Helier and St Aubin, followed by the Jersey Eastern Railway to Gorey Pier. Despite their historical significance, these rail lines succumbed to the popularity of bus transport after about six decades.
With its strategic location near Normandy, France, and easy accessibility from major UK airports, Jersey is an attractive destination for short getaways and summer vacations. Despite its small size, the island offers diverse recreational opportunities such as surfing lessons at St Ouen’s Bay and coasteering expeditions guided by Jersey Adventures.
Tourists can also explore Jersey’s rich heritage through visits to prominent landmarks like Mont Orgueil and Elizabeth Castle, each offering panoramic views and insights into the island’s storied past, including relics from World War II.
