Tel Aviv Light Rail’s Final Test Ride Held

A milestone was achieved Wednesday as the final test journey of the Tel Aviv light rail set off from the start of its route in the city of Yafo. To mark this festive opening, official ceremonies were held in the presence of Transportation Minister Miri Regev and CEO of NTA – Metropolitan Mass Transit System Ltd., Chaim Glick.

During her remarks, Regev addressed the question of whether the light rail will operate on Shabbos. “We are a Jewish State; there is a status quo here. We have laws in this country, and we operate according to the law and according to the status quo,” stated Regev, inferring that the train will not operate on Shabbos or chagim. She reaffirmed that “the light rail will operate until the start of Shabbat and from its completion.”

Amidst these developments, it’s worth noting that the Red Line, set to commence operations on Friday, will connect five central municipalities in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area: Petach Tikva, Bnei Brak, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv-Yafo and Bat Yam. Estimated to serve 234,000 passengers daily and 80 million annually, it will run with a frequency of a train every six minutes.