Jerusalem Light Rail to Suspend Service for Five Days for Expansion Tests

Starting this Sunday, Jerusalem Light Rail will halt operations for five days to conduct system-wide testing. The temporary closure is necessary to ensure the successful expansion of the red line. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Why Jerusalem Light Rail Is Suspending Operations?

During this period, test runs will cover the entire route, stretching from Neve Yaakov to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center. The extension is set to launch full operations on February 14.

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Officials emphasized that these tests are essential for integrating advanced systems, ensuring efficiency and safety. The Jerusalem Municipality and Cfir announced expanded bus services to provide alternative transportation.

Alternative Transportation During Jerusalem Light Rail Closure

To minimize travel disruptions, additional bus routes will operate between Mount Herzl and the Central Station. Three temporary routes will serve travelers in the northern part of the city.

In Pisgat Ze’ev, local bus services will be reinforced, allowing residents to reach the city center conveniently. These measures aim to reduce inconvenience for daily commuters.

Cfir highlighted that suspending the service is crucial for conducting comprehensive testing before launching the extended route. Experts confirmed that partial closures or nighttime testing would not provide sufficient evaluation conditions.

Authorities explained that full shutdowns are a standard practice in global urban rail expansions. Conducting thorough tests ensures the long-term reliability and safety of public transit networks.

The expansion of Jerusalem Light Rail marks a major upgrade for passengers, enhancing connectivity across key locations. By temporarily halting operations, officials prioritize long-term efficiency and system improvements.

Residents and visitors depending on public transit should plan alternative travel routes during this period. Municipal authorities encourage passengers to use the reinforced bus network for their daily commutes.

Although short-term closures may cause inconvenience, long-term benefits include better service and a modernized transportation system. City planners are working toward improving accessibility across the urban transit network.

By integrating cutting-edge systems and performing full-scale tests, the light rail system will meet international safety and efficiency standards. These upgrades align with global best practices in urban transportation.

Once testing is complete, the expanded railway will serve a broader population, providing direct routes to key city destinations. The project represents a milestone in the evolution of Jerusalem’s transit infrastructure.

City officials continue refining transportation infrastructure to support the growing needs of residents and visitors. These efforts ensure that public transit remains a reliable and efficient mode of travel.

Passengers can expect significant improvements in convenience, reliability, and daily travel efficiency as the railway system expands. Authorities will monitor feedback to optimize future urban transit projects.

The Jerusalem Light Rail expansion underscores the city’s commitment to modernizing public transit. Officials pledge to minimize disruptions and maximize long-term benefits for all commuters.

Source: www.israelnationalnews.com

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