The Transport Ministry is to look into the feasibility of reviving trams or streetcars in Kingston.

Portfolio Minister Robert Montague has indicated that the Jamaica Railway Corporation has been tasked with the exercise.

In his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament on Wednesday, Montague said the goal would be to have the street cars networked with the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) and its franchise holders to create a multimodal solution to mass transit.

“Mr. Speaker, another important player in the transport sector is the railway. This is the most economic means of mass transport and we must begin to develop it,” said Montague.

Montague informed that the government is still exploring the resuscitation of rail service, noting that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with a Jamaican-owned consortium to rehabilitate the Montpelier to Siloah leg of the tracks, and to bring communities along the way in to the product.

“So every train stop along the route will have a theme and locals will be allowed to exhibit goods. No chain stores or big businesses will be accommodated. We are going to seek the assistance of TPDCO, JBDC and the SDC to train and assist the people on the ground,” Montague explained.

The transport minister added that the ministry is putting into motion plans to move the start of the line from Montpelier to Freeport in Montego Bay, St James.

He further said that the May Pen to Spanish Town line is also being looked at, noting that the route would be synchronised with the JUTC for onward journey into Kingston