Jerusalem City Hall has approved in the coming years extending light rail service from Gilo in the southern capital to Mt. Scopus. Mayor Barkat and others are working hard to extend the light rail to areas including Har Nof and Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, explaining it is environmentally friendly and significantly reduces noise and air pollution among other benefits.

That said City Hall officials’ point out that the light rail has sustained significant damage from Arab attacks such as in the Beit Haninah and Shuafat areas. It is pointed out the light rail windows are fortified and while the cars are damaged, there has not been injuries to passengers or train employees.

City Hall calls on Israel Police to take the necessary actions to permit passengers to travel without fear of attack.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)