Welcome

The Light Rail

About the Light Rail

The launch of the light rail in 2011 resulted in an atmosphere of progress, convenience and efficiency in Israel’s largest city. The first of the city’s light rail lines is the Red Line which offers a quiet and environmentally friendly ride – and in the not too distant future more lines are expected to traverse Jerusalem and connect the residential, employment, trade, entertainment, and academic focal points.

History

In his book ‘Altneuland’, the State’s visionary Benjamin Ze’ev Herzl envisioned a light rail traveling Jerusalem’s main streets. The first ventures in the construction of an electric train in the city began during the Ottoman Rule in Israel – but without results. The British, who ruled subsequently, opposed the construction of a light rail in the city, supporting only a short supply line that served the military. In the 1990s, initial planning began on the light rail, in 2011, the first line was inaugurated – and Jerusalem entered a new era.

The Lines

The Red Line

The Red Line, the first of its kind in Israel, serves as a prototype for future light rail lines that will be built in Jerusalem as well as in other cities in Israel. Since its inauguration in 2012, the Red Line has become a convenient, and rapid, alternative to private vehicles in the city, and will become part of the future J-Net network.

Implementation Status

The infrastructure works to extend the line are complete in some of the segments and currently ongoing in the other segments; the tender process for selecting a new vendor is currently ongoing.

21.5 Line length

36 stations

6-10 frequency

500 Passengers per train

The Green Line

The Green Line is expected to be the second line to be inaugurated in the city, as part of the Jerusalem J-Net network. The network will connect the various points of interest: both Hebrew University campuses, three major hospitals, several of the largest neighborhoods in the city as well as other sites such as the Government Precinct, the zoo, Malcha Mall and the sports stadium.

Planning Status

The plan was approved and validated by the planning entities.

Implementation Status

A new vendor has been selected. the works to relocate the infrastructures for the line has begun in many segments and the entire line will be in the infrastructures relocation stage.

20 Line length

41 stations

6-10 frequency

500 Passengers per train

The Blue Line

The Blue Line will connect the Gilo neighorhood – Derech Hevron, Keren Hayseod, King George, Mea Shearim, Har Hotzvim and Ramot – to an extension of Derech Emek Refaim, Gonenim and Malcha. This line will enhance the two other operational lines.