No trains, only tests: Jerusalem Light Rail suspended for expansion

Starting on February 9, the light rail system will be required to conduct a series of safety tests in order to obtain the necessary permits to meet international regulations.

 Pisgat Ze'ev Center Mall and light rail station. (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Pisgat Ze'ev Center Mall and light rail station.
(photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

The Jerusalem Light Rail is out of service this week in preparation for the extension of the system via a new line, the Jerusalem Municipality said last week.

The light rail will be suspended until Friday, it said.

In parts of the extension project, certain sections will not carry passengers for safety purposes.

These sections include Pisgat Ze’ev to Neveh Ya’acov and Mount Herzl to Hadassah-University Medical Center in Ein Kerem.

 Haredim block the light rail at the Haturim station in Jerusalem. Aguust  (credit: SAM HALPERN)
Haredim block the light rail at the Haturim station in Jerusalem. Aguust (credit: SAM HALPERN)

Safety tests to be conducted

Starting on Sunday, the light-rail system will be required to conduct a series of safety tests to meet international regulations.

The trains will run but without passengers. Extra buses will be offered, and regular routes will be expanded, the Jerusalem Municipality said.