THE EDITOR, Sir:

I AM writing in response to Prime Minister Bruce Golding's recent update on reviving the Jamaica Railway Corporation (JRC). According to Golding, "The studies that have been done so far indicate that the JRC would require a level of investment that is beyond what could reasonably be recovered from the passenger traffic." The prime minister should release all information relating to the JRC studies, so that the people can decide.

I would like to spell out a few pointers as to what I believe can be done to make the JRC viable and help create jobs.

The JRC will complement Jamaica's transportation infrastructure, reduce congestion on the highways between the country's economic centres and increase our tourism competitiveness around the world. The train can be self-supporting - if it runs fast enough, and often enough. The JRC should be privately operated on publicly funded infrastructure. Private operation will lead to a competitive and efficient passenger rail industry.

Feasibility study a must

Rail service only works when trains go where passengers want to go and the number of passengers is large enough to support the operation. The Government must do a feasibility study on the various corridors in Jamaica to access the best projected ridership and freight to support rail service on a profitable basis. The study could take into consideration Golding's recent announcement of a casino gaming bill. I think if the gaming bill is passed into law, it can provide another avenue for investment and growth in the country's rail service.

The JRC and the companies running the casinos could offer special rail/shuttle bus services to and from the casinos to accommodate tourists and local residents. The local resident is perhaps the most often ignored element of tourism. While residing in the community, the local also visits those areas that are of interest to the visitor. In this sense, the local is a visitor and will contribute financially to Jamaica's economy. Ridership will skyrocket and help in assuring that the train would be self-sufficient long into the future. The service can also provide direct transportation for tourists wanting to visit other major tour attractions.

The other point I would like to address is the marketing of rail freight services to private industries. The JRC can attract industrial development along the country's railroads. Businesses could use rail rather than trucks for some or all their freight needs. Cargo transport is where the JRC could play a more significant role, both along the existing route, and with additional lines.

Aid for farmers

Farmers will also benefit from a timely and cost-effective rail service. Helping our farmers to move crops faster and more cost-effectively will get more local products to more markets and improve the local economy in many agricultural communities. As part of the feasibility study, the Government would conduct a full review of what it will actually cost the railway company to transport farming produce to the various destinations. No one would disagree that transportation is a key ingredient for rural communities to thrive and the lack of rail service makes it difficult for rural communities to survive.

Providing funding for the revitalisation of rail services in Jamaica contributes to the economic and social well-being of the entire country. If properly managed, the rail service will become financially self-sustaining and be in a position to reward its capital providers.

I am, etc.,

NEVILLE CARNEGIE

USA