Jerusalem Light Rail Prepares to Launch Second Line Amid Historic Discoveries and Urban Challenges

Jerusalem is set to begin official operations of its second light rail line, the Green Line, soon, marking a significant expansion of the city's public transportation network. The ongoing project aims to reduce private vehicle traffic in the city, though infrastructure work has disrupted traffic for years. During construction of the first Red Line, archaeological excavations uncovered significant historical sites, including a Hasmonean fortress, a Roman settlement, and ancient wine presses, leading to temporary halts to preserve these findings.

The city pioneered the use of underground power supply sections in its light rail system to avoid visual pollution from overhead cables near historic landmarks. Announcements on the trains are made in Hebrew, English, and Arabic, with Arabic names pronounced in a local Jerusalem dialect to ensure clarity for East Jerusalem residents. Security measures are stringent: train cars feature reinforced windows and walls to withstand stone-throwing and light gunfire, and no trash bins are allowed onboard to prevent hiding explosives, which also leads to a ban on eating inside the trains.

A notable engineering feat is the controversial Chords Bridge at the city's entrance, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Supported by 66 steel cables and a single inclined central pillar, it is one of the Middle East's most complex suspension bridges. Before laying tracks, workers had to relocate dozens of kilometers of outdated water, electricity, and communication infrastructure, some of which were not documented on official city maps.

The light rail system includes a unique communication setup with city traffic lights, allowing trains to trigger green lights for smoother travel. Jerusalem's hilly terrain presents challenges, with trains climbing steep slopes up to 6.8%, requiring powerful engines and special braking systems. The new underground multi-level depot for the Green Line conserves valuable urban space.

Ridership has far exceeded initial projections: the Red Line was expected to carry about 40,000 passengers daily but now serves over 170,000, making it one of the world's busiest light rail systems relative to its length. With the Green Line's opening, Jerusalem will become the first Israeli city to operate a multi-line light rail network.