If you travel by train in the sections between Ashkelon and the Sharon area, write in your diary this coming December 25th. According to a statement issued by the Israel Railways management, this is the new and official date for the opening of electrified railway lines in these sections, which also entails changes in the schedule, which should be updated as soon as possible.
The railway electrification project began several years ago and cost more than NIS 10 billion, with the goal of transferring the train system from working on diesel, to an era of electrical work – something designed to significantly upgrade train activity, provide an improved travel experience, and reduce footprint The carbon as a result of the operation of the train.
In light of the upgrade work carried out – focusing on the rail system – certain lines were shut down or reduced over a long period of time, which led to sharp criticism of the train management by various passengers and organizations. In the middle of last month, the project was supposed to end in the area between Ashkelon and the Sharon – the train is called the Ring of the Sharon project – but a labor dispute between the train management and workers over a new employment agreement led to organizational measures.
In light of a decision by the National Labor Court last month, these measures were stopped, and preparations for the opening of the power lines were completed, although in a decision given by the National Labor Court last night (Saturday), as part of an appeal filed by workers, the possibility was renewed. This will require court approval. And so, with this “sword” still flipping in the background, the Israel Railways is issuing a solemn announcement regarding the date of the “return to routine” of a number of lines, as stated in their electrified configuration.
“As of Saturday evening, December 25, 2001, a new electric line will be operated between the Ashkelon-Rishon LeZion stations, Moshe Dayan-Tel Aviv-Herzliya (Ringat Hasharon), which will replace the diesel trains that have been operated so far, and trains will now operate on the line between these stations. Modern and green trams.
Upon completion of the electrification work on this line, the frequency of trains on the line will increase and the hours of operation will be extended again, and service will be activated on Fridays and Saturday evenings. Also from Sunday to Thursday, during peak hours, between Ashdod to Halom-Rishon Lezion stations – Moshe Dayan-Tel Aviv-Tivat Hasharon-Herzliya stations (in both directions), a high-speed train that will not stop at Holon and Bat Yam stations, “the train said in a statement. .
It was also stated that, “Even at the Sderot, Netivot and Ofakim stations, which are expected to undergo electrification in the future, and will continue to receive service without replacement to Tel Aviv and other destinations north of Tel Aviv (between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM), operating hours will be extended. Trains will operate on Fridays and Saturdays.
According to the explanations of the train at the Ashdod to Halom stations, Rishon LeZion Moshe Dayan, Bnei Brak, Petah Tikva, Kiryat Aryeh, Petah Sgula, Rosh HaAyin North, Kfar Nordau, Hod Hasharon Sokolov, Raanana South, Raanana West, Ashkelon, Yavne West, Bat Yam, Holon Beer Sheva, Sderot, Netivot and Ofakim The hours of operation Sunday through Thursday will be extended from 6:00 to 00:00 (approximately). On Fridays, the operating hours will be 6: 00-13: 00 (approximately) and on Saturdays 21: 00-24: 00 (approximately). In addition, there will be places where the frequency of train traffic is expected to increase.
On the other hand, due to the progress of the electrification project to the Lod area and the line between Lod and Rehovot, the number of lines will be canceled or the frequency of trains will be reduced for passengers from the first Rishon LeZion stations, Rehovot, Beer Yaakov, Beit Shemesh, Kiryat Gat, Lehavim Rahat, Kiryat Malachi Yoav, and Mazkeret Batya.
The Minister of Transportation, Merav Michaeli, said as part of the train announcement that “the electrification project is underway and our mission is to ensure that it is completed as soon as possible. .