Israel Railways CEO Shahar Ayalon will step down soon, the state-run firm says, amid wide criticism over the rollout of a new train between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, according to media reports.
The highly anticipated rail line began service in October, but has faced repeated delays and breakdowns, as well as safety concerns. Cars were pulled off other lines to service the Jerusalem train, leading to overcrowding elsewhere.
The resignation is reportedly part of an agreement between Ayalon and Railways chairman Dan Harel.
Earlier on Monday, the line, which does not yet reach all the way to Tel Aviv, was stopped for two hours over what were described as “technical faults.”
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