TRAINS could be brought back to the island of Jersey, with direct links from the capital to the airport.
There haven’t been trains on the largest Channel Island since 1936, but one company wants to make them available to travellers again.
A company in Jersey wants to bring back trains to the island[/caption]
The proposed route will go follow the old track linking St Helier to the airport[/caption]
Jersey Western Railway (JWR) has expressed its hope to bring back trains which will provide “affordable, comfortable and sustainable transport for Jersey”.
Following the majority of the old route, the proposed railway would run from its capital in St Helier with branches to both La Corbière and the airport.
In the long-term, JWR revealed it wants to provide 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 issue.
No solid plans are in place with JWR asking people to express interest in the idea on its website.
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 previous rail service on Jersey first opened in 1870 and operated between St Helier and St Aubin.
It offered hourly services, later increased to half-hourly, and its popularity was boosted by attractions at stations like concerts, acrobatic displays and fireworks.
A second railway, called the Jersey Eastern Railway opened three years later taking passengers from St Helier to Gorey Pier.
When the bus service came into play, that sparked the beginning of the end for rail on the island – buses were able to operate further and for less money too.
The old train route has been transformed into a walking and cycling path[/caption]
Le Petite Train is the only one to run on Jersey[/caption]
The Jersey Eastern Railway closed in 1929, followed by the original Jersey Railway which closed in 1936.
In saying that, there are two very small trains that operate on the island, Le Petite Train.
The miniature trains follow a scenic route on the promenade across St Aubin Bay, it runs seven days a week and can accommodate up to 60 people.
It’s a great way for visitors to see the island, but less useful as a way to commute.
The old railway route on Jersey does technically still exist, it’s just been transformed into a peaceful walking and cycling path.
Islanders can walk or bike 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.
Jersey is known for its incredible beaches and pretty coastline[/caption]
There are places to stop along the way too like Off the Rails which serves up sourdough pizza, tapas and burgers.
Or enjoy the flowers at Jersey Lavender Farm in the right season, and get a cream tea.
Jersey itself is very walkable with lots of trails, including the 48-mile Jersey Coastal Path.
During peak season, there are plenty of places to rent bikes, and of course there are buses and taxis too.
When Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital) visited, she discovered epic beaches, often next to free car parks and regularly featuring fabulous cafes serving generous portions of food and cold beers.
Caroline confessed her favourite spot was Le Braye bistro on St Ouen’s Bay, a white-sand beach popular with surfers that spans almost the whole of Jersey’s west coast.
She added: “We dined on fish and chips, chicken schnitzel and Thai curry, and watched the sun set with the sand between our toes and a glass of Gascon wine in hand.”
Check out the regional UK airport getting more flights to Jersey next year.
And here’s more general information on Jersey – and whether or not you need your passport to get there.
Jersey hasn’t had any operational trains since the 1930s[/caption]