A number of route changes have been made in bus lines originating in Jerusalem on inter-city lines, transportation officials announce. The changes will take effect beginning on Sunday, 25 Shevat 5774 (January 26, 2014).

1st change

The bus stop of the 952, 972, 982, 996, 997 and 999 lines currently positioned in the public transportation lane in Golda Meir Blvd opposite Tamir Hall is being moved. The new location will be Golda Meir Blvd at the corner of Shefa Chaim. The 402, 450, and 451 lines will be moved to the same stop. Officials explain this will significantly speed up traffic in the public transportation lane and more importantly, it will permit riders to wait for buses in comfort and safety, which was not the case at the current bus stop.

2nd change

This impacts the 491, 492, 494, 546,554, 555, & 556 lines from the capital to southern Israel (Kiryat Gat, Arad, Tifrach, Ofakim, Komamiut and Netivot).

Instead of the current route which passes Moshe Shazar and Sarei Yisrael, which are all too often plagued with traffic jams, the new route will take the buses via Yirmiyahu Street, Bar Ilan, Golda Meir Blvd and then routes 9 and 1.

The good news for Arad residents is that during evening hours, they will be able to travel from their homes directly to the Givat Shaul area simcha halls and return from there. The 554 will travel from Arad to Jerusalem via Beit Dfus Street until reaching the end of the route in adjacent Har Nof. The evening schedule will be 16:00 and 19:00. When an event in Givat Shaul ends, commuters will be able to catch the bus home on Dfus Street at 23:15.

Anyone seeking additional information may call *8787.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)