Yerushalayim is preparing for 100,000s of guest that will be visiting the capital during Sukkos, most relying on public transportation. The most popular site for visitors in the Kosel. As such, the Old City is closed to vehicle other than residents with a valid permit, and emergency and security vehicles.

Egged will be stepping up service on lines to and from the Kosel, including the 1 and 3 from Ramat Shlomo, Ramot, N’vei Yaakov, Har Nof, Givat Shaul and Bayit Vegan; the 111 from Teddy parking lot; and the 333 from Shmuel HaNavi. There will also be increased service on a number of lines to and from Bnei Brak, Modi’in Illit, Betar Illit, Ma’aras HaMachpelah, and Elad. In some cases, bus service will be extended until 01:00.

Egged inspectors will man the rear doors of buses to permit riders to get on the rear of a bus as well as the front.

Service will also be increased on the light rail but significant delays are expected as the process of purchasing tickets from the machines on platforms is time consuming. Seeking to facilitate the process, during chol hamoed additional arrangements are planned for the manual sale of rider tickets at the Ammunition Hill, Kikar Safra (City Hall) and Central Bus Station platforms.

Anyone planning to arrive in Yerushalayim with a private vehicle is advised to park in one of three park-and-ride areas; Pisgat Ze’ev, Ammunition Hill and Har Herzl. For persons using public transportation, parking at those facilities is free. People are advised to come to the capital as early in the morning as possible. For additional information one may phone *8787.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)