Jerusalem Launches New 7-Kilometer Light Rail Line Connecting Key City Areas

Jerusalem's light rail system is expanding with the launch of the Green Line (L3) on Friday, connecting the Tzurim station on Jaffa Street to the Malha station. This new 7-kilometer segment includes 13 stations, 12 of which are new, and integrates with the existing L1 line at Tzurim station. The L3 line will provide direct access to major employment, education, cultural, sports, and leisure centers across the city, including Teddy Stadium, the Arena, the Tennis Center, Binyanei HaUma, the Botanical Garden, the Government Complex, the Hebrew University High-Tech Park, Malha Mall, Givat Ram campus, and several academic institutions such as the Open University and Azrieli College of Engineering.

The line also serves multiple neighborhoods like Givat Mordechai, Pat, Gonenim, and Malha. Two interchange stations, Tzurim and Central Station/Binyanei HaUma, will enhance connectivity between L3, L1, Israel Railways, and bus lines, facilitating easy transfers. The L3 line will also improve access for visitors arriving by train at Yitzhak Navon station and those driving via Highway 16, who will eventually benefit from a future park-and-ride facility at Yit.

This launch marks the first phase of the "Green Route Project" for Jerusalem's light rail. In the coming months, a new L4 line will open, linking the Gilo area to the network, followed by another segment connecting Har HaTsofim. The expansion aims to strengthen public transportation options throughout Jerusalem. Separately, the State Comptroller recently issued a critical report highlighting serious deficiencies in the metro project, amid controversy over a ban on photographing women on the light rail.