Jerusalem Launches Israel’s First Light Rail Network with New L3 Line

On Friday, Jerusalem inaugurated the L3 light rail line, marking the creation of Israel's first urban light rail network. The new line, spanning approximately 7 kilometers with 13 stations (12 of them new), connects the Tzurim station on Jaffa Street to Malha, linking key employment, government, academic, cultural, and recreational centers such as the Knesset, government complex, Hebrew University’s Givat Ram campus, the Hebrew University tech park, the botanical garden, Teddy Stadium, the Arena, and Malha Mall. It also serves neighborhoods including Givat Mordechai, Pat, Gonenim, and Malha. The L3 line integrates with the existing Red Line at two transfer points, creating a seamless network that connects to Israel Railways and bus lines, enhancing access to Jerusalem and the wider metropolitan area.

The opening follows comprehensive safety approvals from international regulatory bodies and Israel’s Ministry of Transportation. This milestone is part of the Green Route project, with safety tests for the upcoming L4 line to Gilo already underway. Future plans include extending the network to Mount Scopus and additional areas, aiming to serve around 600,000 passengers daily across eight light rail lines.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev hailed the launch as a historic chapter in Israel’s transportation, emphasizing the network’s role in connecting neighborhoods and major city hubs efficiently and safely. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich highlighted the project’s economic significance, noting its contribution to growth and quality of life. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion called the day historic, underscoring the network’s transformative impact on urban mobility, traffic congestion, and pollution reduction. Other officials, including the Ministry of Transportation CEO Moshe Ben Zaken, Jerusalem Transportation CEO Tamir Cohen, and Comptroller Michal Abadi-Boiangiu, praised the project’s professional execution and long-term economic benefits.

The new light rail network is expected to revolutionize public transit in Jerusalem, promoting accessibility and sustainability while supporting the city’s development as Israel’s capital and a leading metropolitan center.