Jerusalem-Tel Aviv fast train that actually reaches Tel Aviv begins test runs
Trial runs to travel twice an hour; Israel Railways says scheduled services should begin by the end of 2019, after 11 years of delays
Israel Railways on Saturday night launched twice-hourly trial runs on a daily basis of part of the new direct Jerusalem-Tel Aviv fast train, ahead of its expected launch at the end of the year.
The electric line, whose launch date has been delayed numerous times, will eventually go between the capital’s Navon station and the Tel Aviv Hahagana station in 28 minutes, significantly shortening the current commute between Israel’s two largest cities.
The trial runs will go in both directions — without carrying passengers — between Ben Gurion Airport and Tel Aviv’s Hahagana.
Currently, the train only runs between Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion airport because of delays in electrifying the section of track between the airport and Tel Aviv.
Authorities believe the trains will only begin carrying passengers directly from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Hagana at the end of 2019. The train will reach other Tel Aviv stations and Herzliya sometime next year.
The first trial run of the electrified line to HaHagana was completed in September.
Israel Railways said that as a result there would be some changes in the current schedule of the Jerusalem-Ben Gurion line.
The original launch date for the fast train was 2008, eleven years ago. It was then repeatedly delayed, to 2014, 2018 and again to 2018 and to this year. The launching of the Jerusalem-Ben Gurion line, in October 2018, was marred by countless malfunctions, delays and shutdowns.