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| Old train station in Birkikara |
Malta is not a trainspotter's paradise. This is due to the fact that there are no trains operating on the island, except for those kiddie ones that trundle around Valletta during tourist season. But, as I recently discovered, there was a railway system in operation here between 1883 and 1931. Well, when I say 'railway system'... there was one line running from Valletta to Mdina, and stopping at various points in between. Having said that, they were covering the distance in about half an hour back in the late 19th century, which is a considerable improvement on what the Arriva buses can manage today. Despite this, it was the buses which killed off the trains on the island, the latter being unable to compete financially. (Hardly a surprise when you think that even in 2011 a bus ticket to anywhere on the island cost only 47 cents). So we are stuck with the buses, but if you feel a hankering for some momentoes from iron track days gone by, go and have a look at the old railway car next time you're marooned in Birkikara, or the small rail museum in Attard which sounds very much a labour of love.
