Opening Date Set: Red Line of Light Rail in Gush Dan to Begin Operation on August 18

The Red Line of the light rail in Gush Dan has received the final safety approval required for its operation, and the opening date has been set for Friday, August 18. After facing numerous delays and exceeding the budget, the news of the approval has brought relief to the metropolis.
The Red Line is considered as the transportation backbone of Gush Dan and will pass through significant demand centers. It consists of 34 stations, with an estimated daily passenger count of 234,000. The length of the line is 24 km, 12 km of which is in an underground tunnel.
The construction of the Red Line has been the most expensive infrastructure project in Israel, with the total cost reaching NIS 18.7 billion. The project has faced delays and demands for compensation from contractors, contributing to the increase in the estimated cost. However, a State Comptroller’s report stated that the project’s cost is within the range of similar projects worldwide.
The opening of the Red Line has also brought attention to other ongoing transportation projects in Gush Dan, including the purple line and the green line of the light rail, which are expected to open in 2027 and 2028 respectively. Additionally, plans for a metro project to address the transportation crisis in the area are in the pipeline.
The Red Line will operate three lines – R1 from Petach Tikva to Bat Yam, R2 from Kiryat Aryeh to Bat Yam (which will not be operated initially), and R3 from Kiryat Aryeh to Eliphalet. The average frequency on the line will be a train every six minutes, especially in the busy underground section. The travel speed at the beginning is estimated to be one hour and 20 minutes from end to end, but it is expected to improve over time.
The cost of a single ride on the Red Line upon opening will be 5.5 shekels, with different rates for a ride from end to end based on distance. Multi-line cards and mobile apps can be used for payment. As part of the fare reform, fares on the light trains in Jerusalem and Gush Dan are expected to rise to NIS 8 within a year.
The opening of the Red Line may encounter glitches and birth defects typical of infrastructure projects. Delays and slower door closing are expected due to the high demand at the initial stage. Public services may not be available at the underground stations initially, as an agreement regarding their maintenance needs to be reached between the NTA and the Ministry of Finance. The demand for the Red Line is estimated to surpass the initial expectations, with an expected passenger count of 600-700.
The introduction of the train is expected to have a positive impact on road safety, as international bodies recommend the use of public transportation in the fight against road accidents. However, accidents involving vehicles that are not accustomed to the traffic arrangements may occur in the initial phase.
In terms of amenities, cellular reception will be available at the underground stations. Bicycles and scooters can be brought in folded, and service and guide dogs are allowed to board freely. Lap-sized dogs are also permitted on board.
With the approval of the final safety clearance, the opening of the Red Line on Friday, August 18, brings a long-awaited relief to the metropolis and paves the way for improved transportation in Gush Dan.