The Jerusalem Light Rail (Hebrew: הרכבת הקלה בירושלים, HaRakevet HaKala Birushalayim) is a light rail line, the first of several rapid transit lines planned in Jerusalem. Construction began in 2002 and ended in 2010, when the testing phase began. It was built by the CityPass consortium, which has a 30-year concession to operate it. Construction also involved building the Jerusalem Chords Bridge and various renovation projects around the city.
After repeated delays due to archaeological findings and other issues, service began, initially free of charge, on August 19, 2011. It became fully operative on December 1, 2011. The line is 13.9 kilometers (8.6 mi) long with 23 stops. Extensions are planned to the north to Neve Ya'akov and to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital to the southwest. When completed, these will extend the line's length to 22.5km.
The project was criticized for exceeding its budget, its route through East Jerusalem and contributing to air and noise pollution during construction. While some newspapers have reported friction between Jewish and Arab passengers and a woman soldier was stabbed by a Palestinian while riding the train, others have praised the atmosphere of coexistence.
Read more about Jerusalem Light Rail: History, Construction, Rolling Stock, Operation, Archaeological Findings
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