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Did you know that trains once ran on what is now the Priority Bus Route? Long before buses and bustling commuters, the familiar stretch of road that now serves as a critical artery for public transport in Trinidad was home to the Trinidad Government Railway (TGR).
For nearly a century, the rhythmic clatter of train wheels on steel tracks echoed through the island, connecting towns, villages, and people in ways that shaped the nation’s history. As the TGR chugged along its final miles, it carried with it stories of growth, challenge, and an era that would eventually give way to the modern roads we traverse today.
On December 20, 1968, the final curtain fell on a significant chapter in Trinidad’s history—the closure of the Trinidad Government Railway (TGR). For over 90 years, the TGR was a cornerstone of Trinidad’s transportation system, moving passengers, goods, and even royalty across the island. This article explores the history of the TGR, from its inception to its ultimate decline, capturing the highs and lows of a transport system that shaped the island’s development.
Early attempts and initial successes
The idea of establishing a railway in Trinidad dates back to the mid-19th century. In 1845, two private companies attempted to secure rights to build a trunk line between Port-of-Spain and San Fernando. However, both ventures failed due to financial disagreements with the Legislative Council, leaving Trinidad without a public railway for over three decades.
It wasn’t until 1871 that the Trinidad government took decisive action, deciding to build a railway funded through government ordinances. The first successful line, connecting Port-of-Spain to Arima, opened in 1876. The Port-of-Spain to Arima line was an immediate success, exceeding expectations and repaying its initial loan of £150,000 with interest. This early success laid the groundwork for the expansion of the railway network across the island.
Expansion across the island
Buoyed by the success of the Port-of-Spain to Arima line, the government quickly expanded the railway network. By 1882, the San Fernando extension was completed, linking Port-of-Spain to the south of the island. The government also purchased the San Fernando and Guaracara tramways in 1879, converting the latter into a railway that extended to Princes Town by 1884.
The network continued to grow, with the Arima line extended to Sangre Grande in 1897 and the construction of the Tabaquite railway extension in 1898. These expansions opened up new areas of Trinidad, facilitating communication and development in previously isolated regions.
The early 20th century: Strategic extensions and challenges
The early 20th century saw further expansion of the TGR, driven by strategic needs rather than purely economic ones. The construction of the Rio Claro and Siparia extensions in the 1910s, for example, was motivated by the desire to open up new areas for settlement and to support the burgeoning oil industry in the south.
However, the financial viability of these new lines was always in question. The Rio Claro extension, in particular, was expected to operate at a loss for many years, a prediction that proved accurate. Nevertheless, the railway played a crucial role during World War I, transporting essential goods and materials across the island.
By 1915, the TGR had expanded to 123.5 miles of track, but the post-war years brought new challenges. Economic depression, coupled with the rise of road transport, began to erode the profitability of the railway. The TGR, once a source of pride for the colonial government, found itself struggling to compete with the growing number of motor vehicles.
Decline and closure
The 1920s marked the beginning of the end for the TGR. An economic committee established in 1922 recommended measures to improve the railway’s financial position, but these efforts had little impact. The TGR continued to operate at a loss, and by 1926, competition from motor vehicles and waterborne traffic had severely undermined its profitability.
World War II brought increased traffic and improved receipts as the Americans relied on the railway to build and supply their airbase at Waller Field. However, this resurgence was short-lived, and by the 1950s, the TGR was once again in trouble.
The first significant closures came in 1953 when passenger services on several lines, including the Arima to Sangre Grande and San Fernando to Siparia lines, were shut down. Despite this, the railway managed to limp on into the 1960s, but its fate was sealed when the government decided to prioritise road transport over rail. In November 1964, the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) was established, marking the beginning of the end for the TGR.
The final closures began in 1965, with the last train to San Fernando running on August 30 of that year. The Arima line proved more challenging to close, continuing operations until 1967 when a replacement bus service was finally in place. The last passenger train in Trinidad ran on December 28th, 1968, marking the end of an era.
Legacy and reflection
The closure of the TGR was met with mixed emotions. While the younger generation celebrated in carnival fashion, many of the older citizens mourned the loss of what had once been the island’s most popular and speedy form of modern transport. The TGR had been more than just a railway; it was a symbol of progress and development, connecting communities and facilitating economic growth.
For over 90 years, the TGR had carried all levels of society, from ordinary citizens to governors and royalty. Its decline and eventual closure reflected the changing times, as the versatility and convenience of road transport rendered the railway obsolete. Yet, even as the tracks were pulled up and the stations fell silent, the TGR left an indelible mark on Trinidad’s history.
Today, as we reflect on the railway’s closure, it is important to remember the men and women who built, worked, and died serving the TGR. Their contributions helped shape the Trinidad we know today, and their legacy lives on in the memories of those who rode the rails during the golden age of the Trinidad Government Railway.
Sources:
https://www.planning.gov.tt/content/remembering-railway-50-years-later
https://nationaltrust.tt/home/location/trinidad-government-railway-building
https://nationaltrust.tt/home/location/the-san-fernando-railway-station
https://nationaltrust.tt/home/memories-of-the-railway-arima-line
https://nationaltrust.tt/home/siparia-railway-history
https://www.planning.gov.tt/content/remembering-railway-50-years-later
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