The Jerusalem – Tel Aviv electric propulsion express train will not be running before Pesach as planned, but it now appears it will be delayed for a half a year.

MK Yaakov Asher uses the delay to point out in this case, a six-month delay was announced due to safety issues and this is acceptable. However, when it comes to other matters, delays are unacceptable, and Israel Railways insists it must do maintenance on Shabbos.

Announcements were made signaling service would being on March 30, 2017, but now, officials are telling a different story. After the last inspection, it was determined that opening on schedule would be at the expense of safety, hence the decision for the delay. A meeting was held on Tuesday, 5 Adar, including Police Chief Roni Alshich, as well as representatives of emergency agencies and train representatives; and the decision was made to postpone going live. In the interim, safety and other aspects of the line will be checked. The operators will also stage test runs with passengers, in coordination with police and emergency agencies.

For now, riders will have to wait an additional six months for the 28-minute trip between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)