Commuters and tourists could soon be offered an alternative way of travelling through Hamilton city centre.

For a private company is hoping to run a trolley train service through the heart of the town.

The Bermuda Train Company has applied for a licence to operate the train through the heart of the city, picking up tourists and stopping off at places of historical interest.

Although the route has yet to be finalised, company bosses hope to have the train running from Albuoy Point, along Church Street past Hamilton Cathedral and City Hall and out to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

And a second service could be set up running from the Bull's Head car park into the centre of town for commuters.

Each train, which has three carriages and can carry up to 72 passengers, is powered by a locomotive engine.

Train service idea wins support Bermuda Train Company general manager Geoff Gibbons said: "We came up with the idea because there's been a demand for the service.

"There needs to be a link between the BUEI and the town centre and there is also a lot of history and interest in the city which is currently just not available by tour.

"There's also the intention of running a shuttle service between the car park and town which would run in the early morning and evening.'' Passengers who have bought a ticket will be able to get off and board the trolley train at various stops of interest.

As yet it is not known how long the Department of Transport will take to consider the licence application. But the scheme has already won the support of the Corporation of Hamilton and the BUEI.

Corporation secretary Roger Sherratt, who took a ride on the trolley train when it went on a test run in Hamilton yesterday, said: "We were very impressed by its handling on the busy streets of the city and it seemed to be very popular -- we got a lot of waves. It's got our backing.'' LOCO-MOTION -- Bermuda Train Company General Manager Geoff Gibbons with one of the trolley trains that could soon be running through Hamilton town centre.

BUSINESS BUC