Jerusalem's Green Line begins service Friday, expanding light rail network
The new line is approximately 7 kilometers, or 4.3 miles, long and includes 13 stations, 12 of them new. During peak hours, trains are expected to run every eight minutes.
Jerusalem's Green Line, the city's second light rail line, will commence operations this Friday, marking a significant expansion of the metropolitan area's transit network. The two-and-a-half kilometer route between HaTurim station and Malha in the city's south is set to ease travel for residents and visitors alike.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion hailed the inaugural service as a "historic day" and a "giant step" towards transforming Jerusalem into a city with a comprehensive light rail system. Lion emphasized that this development follows Jerusalem's pioneering efforts with the Red Line, which debuted in 2011 and continues to serve the northern and southwestern parts of the city.
The Green Line's 13 stations, including 12 newly built, will connect major employment, government, education, cultural, sports, and entertainment hubs such as the International Convention Center, the government complex, Hebrew University's Givat Ram campus, the high-tech park, botanical gardens, and several stadiums. It will also serve neighborhoods like Givat Mordechai, Pat, Gonenim, and Malha.
The line will complement existing public transportation options, such as Israel Railways and city buses, offering passengers convenient transfers during weekday operations. However, weekend services will remain limited to private vehicles due to the absence of public transportation during Shabbat hours.
Looking ahead, the Jerusalem Transportation Master Plan envisions a series of subsequent stages, including the L4 line in December, which will link the Central Bus Station and Gilo in southern Jerusalem. By June 2027, the route will extend to the Hebrew University's Mount Scopus campus, while a Givat Shaul and Har Nof branch is slated for late 2027. Between 2029 and 3031, the Blue Line will traverse downtown Jerusalem, Har Hotzvim, and the Ramot neighborhood.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
