Jerusalem Councilman Shmuel Rosenstein, who maintains the transportation portfolio, reports there will finally be maps for city bus routes, acknowledging they are long overdue.

The pilot program will begin with a veteran line, the number 7, and he is optimistic the other lines will follow. Maps will depict the bus route, stops and points where one may transfer to other lines.

Rosenstein confirms the need, especially due to the confusion caused by re-routing lines to accommodate light rail work in addition to the introduction of new bus numbers.

Rosenstein also spoke of the Keren HaYesod pilot program that has been taking place during recent months, working on the modern satellite system that actually tracks the position of buses, displaying real-time information for commuters at a bus stop. He adds that this system will be working its way into the capital in the “not too-distant future”, a move that he feels will enhance the bus service, reduce rider frustration, and replace outdated timetables with real-time updates.

Rosenstein is quite optimistic, believing that the new service will encourage more riders, even residents who own vehicles, adding that ultimately, this will result in less congestion on the roadways and less pollution.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)