Back on Track: The new high-speed train lines are set to be open next week
At the end of last week, Israel Railways Ltd. announced a successful test run of the express route connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The fully electric, 57-km long track is now set to open this Saturday, December 21, marking a new era of public transport between Israel's most heavily populated cities. The first train is set to depart from Jerusalem's Yitzak Navon station at 21:56 and will arrive at Tel Aviv Hagana just 34 minutes later, making it by far the most efficient form of transport between the two cities.
The Railway bridge connecting Jerusalem & Tel Aviv © Shutterstock
After 18 years of construction, numerous delays and broken promises, Israel Railways will finally (!) unveil its long awaited and heavily anticipated connection to Jerusalem. The service will operate on a regular full time schedule, departing twice an hour from both directions beginning Sunday, December 22 and will include a stop at Ben Gurion airport. Israel Railways said in a statement that it plans to have an optional route bypassing the airport open to the public in 2020, reducing total travel time to less than 30 minutes. But let's not hold our breath for any more promises and instead just enjoy this early holiday present.