(JamaicaGleaner) LINSTEAD, St Catherine: ANITA SAMUELS is one of the scores of commuters who rush for the train station in the mornings since it started to roll two weeks ago.
“It is economical and quicker, so it is much easier for me,” she told The Gleaner.
Samuels resides in Linstead. She travels by train to work inSpanishTowneach morning, and then again in the evenings.
There are clear signs that the confidence enjoyed by Samuels is shared by many others.
“The train service is a good thing for us now because it is more economical and time savinging,” asserted Richard Roberts. “It is good to know that we don’t have to travel the long route to get to our destinations.”
Passengers are not bashful to declare that the return of the passenger train service in St Catherine has been a blessing for them.
Commuters who opt for the train say they have welcomed the huge dip in their weekly transportation costs.
Adults pay J$100 and children J$50. A trip by route taxi costs J$250, and the bus J$150.
Marlon Christie said it is his first experience on the train and he has no intention of stopping.
“I really enjoy the ride on the train, and I also think it is economical, so I will continue to travel on it in the mornings,” he said.
“I save money this way, so it is the best way to ride,” he added.
However, Roberts sees one drawback. He said he has a problem with the times that the train is scheduled to leave the station.
“If them have some other trips it would be better. The long wait for another trip is frustrating … but mi try to work with it because me save money,” he added.
The resumption of the rail service was timed to coincide with the closure of the Bog Walk gorge.
As the crowd continues to swell daily, persons wrestle to secure the comfort of a seat. However, others are willing to stand in order to save money.
To satisfy the demand, more coaches have been added.
“The train is comfortable and nice, it could never be better, so I want it to continue in the area,” said Devon Robinson, who indicated that he is one sure passenger for the trips.
If the pronouncements of others are anything to go by, some commuters have no intention of returning to the bus system anytime soon as they are seeing the new transport system as a big way to save both time and money.
“I take the train every morning from it start, and I am enjoying it. No more waste of time on the road, and I am saving money,” declared Janice Lawrence.
“Even when the gorge clear, me a go continue to take the train. Mi no in the mood fi take no more bus toSpanishTown.
“I wake up early and catch the train even though I am well early for my work, but the train is convenient, so I prefer to take it,” she added.
