Skimlinks
The story of Trinidad Government Railway (TGR) and its decline.
Trinidad Government Railway. Photo courtesy TTAO - Trinidad & Tobago Association of Ottawa.

The rise and fall of the Trinidad Government Railway

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 nationā€™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.

355129390 653347520145897 4412066644471166331 n
Get a job in tech. No matter who you are.
87% of our grads get hired in 6 months or less. Most of them have no STEM or IT experience before starting with us.

On December 20, 1968, the final curtain fell on a significant chapter in Trinidad’s historyā€”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 wasnā€™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 Ā£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.

454608767 912615117567983 7347151526335702200 n
AI Courses | Online Courses for All Levels
AI Courses AI courses delve into the theory and application of algorithms that enable machines to mimic human intelligence and perform tasks autonomously. Build your skills in topics such as generative AI, prompt engineering, deep learning and more.

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.

440330817 842846794529301 288663163262839955 n
Why tech is for moms
Dive into the inspiring stories of resilience, growth, and empowerment from four incredible TripleTen graduates. From overcoming career gaps to pivoting to new roles, the transformative power of tech careers in fostering flexibility, balance, and opportunity for working mothers. Explore why tech is the perfect fit for moms seeking meaningful careers with room to thrive.

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.

51mqerGmFcL
Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes
Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes is your kitchen guide to cooking in the Caribbean. Add flavour to your pot and put a smile on everyoneā€™s faces with the right amount of seasonings, spices and stories about the foods you prepare. This cookbook contains 100 tantalising recipes and full colour photographs of home-cooked meals, street foods, treats and drinks that are known in the West Indies for having particular names, ingredients and preparations. The 10 sections are Breads, Fillings, Chutneys and Sauces, Soups, Main Dishes, Salads, Drinks, Desserts, Sweet Snacks and Savoury Snacks. ā€¢ Kindle ā€“ US$4.99 ā€¢ Paperback ā€“ US$29.91

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.

careers software engineering
Bachelor (B.Sc) Applied Artificial Intelligence
Online Study Model Degree Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) 180 ECTS credits Language English Tuition Fees & Discounts Tuition Fees Starting from 130 ā‚¬ (131 $)* per month *based on the exchange rate from 01.07.2023 09:05 AM (CEST) Discounts Discounts and promotions are available on a seasonal basis Online application No application fees Study Duration Study start any time Duration36 – 72 months (depending on time model)

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 islandā€™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.

916XjR0u2kL. SL1500
Sweet TnT Short Stories
ife in Trinidad and Tobago comes alive in the exciting, entertaining, comical, dramatic, thrilling, mysterious and suspenseful tales in Sweet TnT Short Stories. The novella consists of 34 fictional pieces written by authors from around the twin islands who share narratives with you under the sections Lifestyle, Superstition and Fauna. Created by Culturama Publishing Company, producer of Sweet TnT Magazine from San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago, this book is one of the publications that commemorates the 10th anniversary of the publisher from 2009-2019. US$9.99

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

__________________________________

Playstation 5 Pro

Every month in 2024 we will be giving away one PlayStation 5 Pro. To qualify join our Facebook group, TikTok and Subscribe to our Sweet TnT Magazine YouTube channel

When you buy something through our retail links, we may earn commission and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

You may also like:

Balancing act: Government and business ā€“ success stories and cautionary tales

10 Things governments should do to encourage more remote work

How Trinidad can skyrocket TTD to match the mighty USD

Capital flight: What happens when governments nationalise bank accounts

Gold in Trinidad? The hidden wealth just outside Port-of-Spain

Taking control: A comprehensive guide to debt consolidation

How foreign exchange restrictions hurt economies

Is there still a middle class in Trinidad and Tobago?

@sweettntmagazine

About Sweet TnT

Our global audience visits sweettntmagazine.com daily for the positive content about almost any topic. We at Culturama Publishing Company publish useful and entertaining articles, photos and videos in the categories Lifestyle, Places, Food, Health, Education, Tech, Finance, Local Writings and Books. Our content comes from writers in-house and readers all over the world who share experiences, recipes, tips and tricks on home remedies for health, tech, finance and education. We feature new talent and businesses in Trinidad and Tobago in all areas including food, photography, videography, music, art, literature and crafts. Submissions and press releases are welcomed. Send to contact@sweettntmagazine.com. Contact us about marketing Send us an email at contact@sweettntmagazine.com to discuss marketing and advertising needs with Sweet TnT Magazine. Request our media kit to choose the package that suits you.

Check Also

Maximise your PTO: Why Trinidad & Tobago is the perfect getaway for New Yorkers.

How New Yorkers can maximise their PTO with a trip to Trinidad & Tobago

When you’re living in the fast-paced, bustling environment of New York City, maximising your paid …

Jason Hospedales is more than just an artist; he's a storyteller, a visionary, and a cultural icon.

Jason Hospedales: Storyteller, visionary, and cultural icon

Jason Hospedales, a seasoned artist with over two decades of dedicated practice, has made a …

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Sweet TnT Magazine

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading