Jersey Western Railway founder: Proposed tramway "not an attempt to recreate the past" - Jersey Evening Post
by James Jeune · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
Jersey Western Railway founder: Proposed tramway “not an attempt to recreate the past”
by James Jeune 18 June 202617 June 2026
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AN Islander seeking to bring a “Jersey tramway system” to fruition has put forward an open letter outlining his proposal in the hope that the next Infrastructure Minister will see a need for “structural change” within the Island’s transport network.
Jersey Western Railway founder Alex Sparrow has sent the document to Senator Lyndon Farnham, who is set to continue as Chief Minister.
Mr Sparrow said that he “did get a response from [Senator Farnham’s] assistant” and was advised that it would be sent on to whoever is appointed Infrastructure Minister later this month.
Mr Sparrow’s vision involves “the development of a Very Light Rail tramway system as the primary transport spine for Jersey”, linking Gorey, St Helier and the Airport as well as following the route of the former railway toward Corbière.
Part of the rationale cited for the scheme is a need to relieve pressure on Jersey’s transport network amid growing traffic volumes, with movement across the Island “dominated by individual car journeys, each requiring a disproportionate share of limited road space”.
In his document, Mr Sparrow contends that the proposed tramway “is not an attempt to recreate the past”.
“It is an adaptation of a proven concept using modern technology,” he continued.
“Very Light Rail systems differ significantly from their historical counterparts. Advances in materials, vehicle design, and construction techniques have transformed the economics and functionality of rail-based transport.
“Systems can now be installed with minimal excavation, operate without overhead wiring, and be deployed more rapidly and flexibly than in the past.”
The proposal includes an estimated total cost for the scheme of between £410 million to £550 million, based on “route-specific analysis and comparable projects”.
However, it also states that there is “potential to reduce this to approximately £350 million under disciplined delivery conditions”.
Mr Sparrow described an ideal scenario in which the project would be backed by a combination of public and private funding split 51% and 49% respectively.
He said he hoped whoever took on the role of Infrastructure Minister would be someone who “would look at Jersey’s transport infrastructure, recognise we are operating at limit and understand that we need a structural change”.
Mr Sparrow also said that there was interest from Balfour Beatty – which is involved in the UK’s HS2 railway line project – and First Rail Group.
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