The Ministry of Transportation, through the National Public Transportation Authority, together with the Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Transportation Master Plan team, and the Kfir Company, announced today (Thursday) that the trial runs of the Green Line of the Jerusalem Light Rail have been expanded to an additional section, between the Pat and Malcha junctions.
The expansion of the trial trips is a significant step in the progress of the project, and brings Jerusalem closer to becoming the first city in Israel with a full light rail network.
The test-run phase is designed to test all train systems - infrastructure, operating systems, safety and operation - in preparation for commercial operation.
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The Green Line, which is approximately 21 kilometers long and includes approximately 40 stations, will connect the Gilo neighborhood in the south of the city to Mount Scopus in the north, and will pass through central locations including Malha, Kiryat HaMalaka, Givat Ram, the Hebrew University, employment, commercial and leisure centers.
The line will integrate with the Red Line at key points, as part of an advanced transportation network concept for the city.
When fully operational, the Green Line, along with the Red Line and future lines, is expected to bring the volume of passengers on the Jerusalem light rail network to approximately 600,000 passengers per day, and to be a central component in the city's transition to an advanced, fast, and efficient mass transit system.
About two months ago, Transportation Minister Miri Regev conducted her first test drive on the Green Line, in which she traveled from the depot in Kiryat Ha'Le'om to the Patt junction, along with the ministry's management and professional bodies.
This trip marked the transition to advanced stages of the project and highlighted the significant progress in the construction of the line.
The Green Line is a central part of a broad plan to establish a mass transit network in Jerusalem, which includes the Red, Green, and Blue Lines, and constitutes a significant pillar in realizing the Ministry of Transportation's vision to strengthen public transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and improve the quality of life in the city.
Minister of Transportation: "The Green Line is a milestone in improving the quality of life of Jerusalem residents and will enable an accessible, fast and efficient connection between central areas of the city, similar to the advanced ones in European capitals. Even in this challenging period, we continue to act with determination, promote infrastructure and bring real news to the public.""
