THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WOULD like to comment on Dennie Quill's article in The Gleaner on Wednesday, regarding whether the resuscitation of the railway will do more harm than good. I think the Jamaica Railway Corporation (JRC) can be good if it is privately operated on publicly funded infrastructure. Private operation will lead to a competitive and efficient passenger rail industry. The lamentable fact is that the railway cannot and must not operate like the Jamaica Urban Transit Company and Air Jamaica.

The JRC can become profitable for operators willing to take on the initial risks involved, but more important, that the economic future of Jamaica depends on their revival, and fast. There are three major areas of concentration for the railway to work properly: passenger service, tourism and freight.

Competitive transport times

The JRC will complement Jamaica's transpor-tation infrastructure and reduce congestion on the highways. The train can be self-supporting - if it runs fast enough and often enough. For a successful passenger rail service, there needs to be sufficient density of riders and destinations that people want to travel to on a frequent basis. As a general rule, though, rail service should be reasonably competitive with automobile driving times in order to be successful.

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. 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.

Moving waste and renewable energy

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

The JRC could also take into consideration the National Solid Waste Management Authority's (NSWMA) recent announcement of an overseas investor to construct a plant in Jamaica to process used tyres. The NSWMA and other businesses could use freight rail service to move tyres and solid waste. Jamaica needs to convert municipal solid waste into renewable energy. Municipal waste to energy is a fantastic way for Jamaica to turn garbage into a renewable energy source. It's a win-win situation for the NSWMA and the JRC.

If properly managed, the rail service can be more good than harm.

I am, etc.,

NEVILLE CARNEGIE

New Jersey