Jerusalem Gears Up for the Light Rail

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With the global effort to minimize greenhouse gases, more and more electric vehicles are put into use. Jerusalem has begun testing a Light Rail Transit System for rapid and pollution-free public transport. Our correspondent went to investigate how this is affecting city life.

Since a couple of months, new types of vehicles can be seen gliding through streets of Jerusalem - electric rail cars.

The 23 station, 14km long transit line, aims to provide faster and cleaner public transport in the city.

Run by electricity, the Light Rail is described as "fast, silent, reliable and environmentally friendly."

But not everyone is convinced. Some even think it is dangerous.

[Pierre Malcha, Business Man]:
"There is no barrier and protection. They should have built a stone partition here, because when people walk here they can't see the car arriving, and so it can cause an accident."

This Light Rail System is still being tested and is not yet available to passengers.

Local residents are excited, but are beginning to lose patience.

[Eli Michaeli, Local Resident]:
"We want it and we are waiting for it, but every time the management postpones it. It says it will start next week, then next month and so on. We need to know when we finally will be able to board the Light Rail."

The project is boosting urban development designed to breathe new life into the city and increase tourism.

[Joseph Zernick, Local Resident]:
"I've been out of the country for many years and when I came back they did a great job in Jerusalem in renovating it, cleaning it up. Everything around here is cleaned up. It used to look pretty shabby, and it looks a lot better. They are definitely putting money into Jerusalem to make sure it runs properly."

But with the rail system still not fully operational, and all public buses diverted to other lanes, Jaffa street - the city's busiest area, remains almost empty, and businesses are suffering.

The owner of an electric appliances store, here, says sales have gone down 60%.

[Michael Ben Harush, Electrical Appliances Shop Owner]:
"We were promised that this rail system would be operational by 2006.
And five years have gone by since then, and even now, after all the tribulations we have suffered here in the center,
and after all the construction work that has prevented customers' access, all the promises have been in vain. The authorities are simply torturing us merchants."

Despite all the complaints, many are optimistic and are already signing up for prepaid smart cards.

[Hanan-El Yosef, Local Resident]:
"This is what the card looks like. I can use this card to travel with other bus companies too."

The cards are paid for in advance and then digitally scanned upon boarding the transit car.

According to the Light Rail Operator - Citypass Group, passengers will be able to use it starting August, this summer.

[Oz-El Vatik, Spokesperson, Citypass]:
The rate is very fast. We sell approximately 1500 cards a day. We have sold about 20,000 so far."

Jerusalem is the first city in Israel to employ the Light Rail, one more important step towards a cleaner environment.

Rani Shoket, NTD News, Jerusalem

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• NTD
• NTDTV
• Jerusalem
• Light Rail
• urban development
• tourism
• Jaffa street
• smart card
• Citypass Group

[jacobshhm]

What for the guy on the wheelchair buy Citypass for? Doesn't he drive it for free?

[SUPERDAVIDLEVINE]

I am gladd there is a lightrail i jersalem o for onoe thing will i run on Saterday this is eosion with the ultra orthodox who might try to derail the tain or throw rocks at it even if working is vollontary I could never see why thee can not be some buses starda for o not allisrealies are Jewish I hpe it wil be extened for eight miles is not,

[solve809]

the most beautiful city.

[Andreas7773]

she is so sexy, ;)

[ThinkStage]

Very cool

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[demmeri]

they won't pay the fare

[Hatorah]

@asr8805 : eh....NOPE. ISRAEL first, then O'CANADA. Don't you remember at the last G8 Meeting???

REMINDER: Only Hon. Prime Minister Steven Harper VOTED against the separation of Jerusalem.

And Mickey Mouse in the White House??? Oy...You have to consider who's standing with who ASR.

[72Yonatan]

Israeli government is so hopelessly incompetent. This project should have been running years ago, and it is behind schedule and if this is how they would behave, then businesses should have been warned so that people would not suffer from the failure to keep a schedule. Whoever was in charge of publicity for this project has damaged many people and should suffer for it.

[asr8805]

G-d bless Israel! they constantly lead the world in advancements of all sorts. Israel and United States, greatest countries on earth