There are no passenger trains in Jamaica open to the public. However, the island has railway lines and infrastructure enabling the resume of passenger transport. Train travel in Jamaica may be possible in the future. Currently, the island has a big problem with a violent crime and only running passenger train in Jamaica is dedicated to students.
The railways in Jamaica have a long and rich history – the first railway line in Jamaica was opened in 1845 – it was the first railway line outside Europe and North America.
Last updated: 24.02.2024
History of the railway in Jamaica
In 1843 the Smith’s Brother (William and David) proposed to construct a railway line. The project was accepted by the House of Assembly. Construction started in 1844 under the name Railway Company.
The Jamaican railway system was the first railway put into operation outside Europe and North America, and the second British Colony after Canada, only twenty years after train traffic was inaugurated in the United Kingdom.
In 1855 the railway line from Old Harbour to Porus and Ewarton was opened.
In 1879 the Jamaica Government purchased the railway from the Railway Company and the railway network was nationalized. Total length of the railway network was 41 km.
Between 1879 and 1900 the railway network was rapidly extended. 255 kilometers of tracks were laid. The railway connected three major port – Kingston, Port Antonio and Montego Bay. The railway played a vital role in providing passenger services and freight transport.
In 1900 the railway line from US Air Base in Vernamfield to the existing railway network (55 km).
In 1920s the two railway lines were opened: Linstead to New Works (1921) and Chapelton to Frankfield (1925).
In 1940s the bauxite deposits were discovered an railway was the main mode of transporting the bauxite extract to be processed and shipped.
In 1962 the country achieve independence. The Jamaica Railway Corporation was established.
In 1970s some of the railway lines were closed due to financial crisis. There were no money for maintenance of lines and rolling stock fleet. In 1974 the line from May Pen to Frankfield was closed. Next year traffic was ceased on the line from Bog Walk to Port Antonio.
In 1998 Hurricane Gilbert caused extensive damage to railway infrastructure
In 1992, all passengers trains in Jamaica ceased. Freight trains served the bauxite industry continue to operate.
In April 2011, the Jamaica Railway Corporation reinstated the Spanish Town – Linstead (64 km) passenger service. The train ran for a very short time because the connection was closed in August 2012.
Train travel in Jamaica – current situation
Currently, the railway line from Ewarton to Port Esquivel (79 km) is used for bauxite transport. There are a few active short industrial lines. There are plans to reinstate regular passenger services in Kingston area and to launch a tourist trains in season.
In 2022 the Jamaica Railway Corporation launched dedicated passenger train for students from Spanish Town to Old Harbour. The train transports students from Old Harbour and Linstead to Spanish Town, where they are transported to their schools by dedicated buses.
Passenger trains in Jamaica are operated by Jamaica Railway Corporation.
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