Jerusalem Launches First Urban Light Rail Network with Green Line Opening
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Jerusalem is launching part of its Green Light Rail Line, creating Israel's first urban light rail network alongside the existing Red Line. This new seven-kilometer route with 13 stations will enhance connectivity across the city and integrate with Israel Railways and bus services. Mayor Moshe Lion called the development a major step toward a modern, accessible Jerusalem with reduced traffic congestion.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Jerusalem opens part of its Green Light Rail Line, connecting Central Bus Station to Malha.
- The Green Line joins the existing Red Line, forming Israel's first urban light rail network.
- The network includes 13 stations over seven kilometers, with 12 new stations.
- Future expansions will connect Gilo, Mount Scopus, and a park-and-ride near Highway 16.
- The Red Line serves over 150,000 daily riders, making Jerusalem a light rail pioneer.
- Mayor Moshe Lion says the network will transform city transit and reduce traffic congestion.
After years of construction and delays, Jerusalem is set to open part of its Green Light Rail Line in the coming days, connecting the Central Bus Station and key city areas with Malha. This new line, spanning approximately seven kilometers with 13 stations (12 of them new), will join the existing Red Line, which runs from Neve Yaakov to Hadassah Ein Kerem. Together, these lines form Israel's first urban light rail network, enabling seamless transfers and linking major hubs across Jerusalem.
The Green Line connects with the Red Line at two transfer points: the Tzurim station and the Central Bus Station near Binyanei HaUma. This integration facilitates easy connections to Israel Railways and bus lines. Passengers arriving by Israel Railways can continue directly from Yitzhak Navon station via the Green Line. Future plans include extending the Green Line to connect Gilo, Mount Scopus, and a park-and-ride facility near Highway 16.
Additional segments are still under construction, including extensions from Gilo to the network and further towards Mount Scopus. Jerusalem is also advancing the Blue Line project, which will link Gilo, the city center, Har Hotzvim, and Ramot. With the Red Line already serving over 150,000 daily riders, the expanding network positions Jerusalem ahead of the densely populated Tel Aviv metropolitan area in light rail development.
Mayor Moshe Lion emphasized the significance of this milestone, calling Jerusalem "a pioneer again" in urban transit. He highlighted that the transition from a single light rail line to a full network will transform the city's transportation backbone, improve quality of life, connect neighborhoods and employment centers, and reduce traffic congestion by encouraging residents to leave private cars at home. Lion also noted that the network will continue to grow, making Jerusalem more accessible and modern, comparable to major capitals worldwide.
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