Get ready, Jerusalem! A massive transportation overhaul is underway, with the Ministry of Transport's 2026 budget paving the way for a complete transformation of how people move around the city. This isn't just about adding a few bus routes; we're talking about a comprehensive upgrade designed to make Jerusalem a model for urban mobility.
This ambitious plan, backed by the government, focuses on creating a seamless and efficient alternative to private cars. Imagine a city where getting around is easy, fast, and environmentally friendly. That's the vision! The budget includes a range of mega-projects, such as:
- Light rail lines and Israel Railways lines: Expanding the existing network to cover more ground.
- Interchanges, bicycle paths, and transit terminals: Making it easier to connect between different modes of transport.
- Accessibility and service upgrades: Ensuring everyone can benefit from the new system.
The goal? To make Jerusalem the first city in Israel where you can easily navigate without a car by 2030. This is based on the '15-minute city' concept, linking neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and leisure spots through a continuous public transit system.
Let's dive into some of the key projects:
- The Red Line: Already a workhorse, this line carries around 260,000 passengers daily along its 22-kilometer route. Trains run every six minutes during peak hours.
- The Green Line (expected to open in 2026): This 21-kilometer line will connect Gilo in the south to Mount Scopus in the north, with approximately 40 new stations. The estimated budget is around NIS 14 billion.
- The Blue Line (scheduled to open in 2029): Stretching 31 kilometers with 53 stations, this line will carry an estimated 200,000 trips per day, with a budget of NIS 15.6 billion.
But here's where it gets controversial... An extension of the Blue Line will connect Talpiot to Armon HaNatziv, adding roughly 3 kilometers and 5 new stations. This will facilitate urban renewal and the construction of about 40,000 housing units.
Additional lines are in the works, including the Yellow Line (connecting the Knesset to the Dung Gate) and the Brown Line (serving East Jerusalem). Furthermore, there are plans to connect Beit Shemesh to Jerusalem's mass transit system using high-speed solutions like BRT (Bus Rapid Transit).
And this is the part most people miss... A significant project involves extending the high-speed railway underground to the city center, adding two new stations and doubling the train frequency between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to 13 trains per hour in each direction.
The Western Wall Cable Car: A Game Changer?
One of the most talked-about projects is the cable car to the Western Wall, designed to ease congestion and improve access to the Old City. The 1.4-kilometer route will have 73 cable cars, with a capacity of 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The route will be divided into three segments:
- Segment A–B: From the Old Railway Station complex to an operational station.
- Segment B–C: From the depot to Mount Zion.
- Segment C–D: From Mount Zion to the arrival station near the Western Wall.
Minister of Transport Miri Regev is enthusiastic, stating that Jerusalem is at the peak of a historic transportation revolution, with the goal of making Jerusalem the first city in Israel where there will be no need for a private car in everyday life.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion highlights the project's potential to improve quality of life and the urban economy. Director General of the Ministry of Transport, Moshe Ben Zaken, emphasizes the advanced nature of the system, designed to ensure a reliable and accessible system for the residents of the capital.
What do you think? Will these ambitious projects truly transform Jerusalem's transportation landscape? Do you foresee any challenges or benefits that haven't been discussed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
