Possible Demise of Princeton’s ‘Dinky’

The tiny “Dinky” train that links Princeton University and Princeton Junction may be replaced by a bus line, reports the NY Times. The Dinky, a one-car train that makes the four-minute trip several times a day, has been in existence for 145 years.

The Dinky’s interior, with its fake wood paneling and vinyl seats, is hardly romantic. Nor is the view from its windows, which reveals a second line of rails, abandoned in 1955, in the undergrowth along the train’s right of way. That sight serves as a reminder of the golden days, when the route had two busy tracks.

Its heyday was back when people actualy came out for Ivy League football games, packing the little train for trips to the stadium.

The New Jersey Transit train not only serves the college kids, but regular Jersey commuters too.

Robert Gibbs, 57, walked down the aisle, taking tickets and chatting with riders. (“How’re you doing?” “All right, got breakfast.” “Good, good.”) Mr. Gibbs first worked on the Dinky 25 years ago as a trainee conductor, with his most recent stint beginning two years back. “It’s a seniority job, mostly,” Mr. Gibbs said, his blue conductor’s cap pulled snugly over his bald head. He hopes to work on the Dinky until his retirement, in 2015.

Audra Sbarra, a talkative social worker wrapped in a bright pink coat, looked up to greet Mr. Gibbs and then, referring to the Dinky, said: “There’s nothing else like this. It’s a minitrain, it’s so cute.” Behind her, a couple discussed Shakespeare.