Regular activities to resume at Sderot train station, marking a gap of two years since last operation
The Transportation Ministry and Israel Railways have announced significant changes to public transport in Israel, with the resumption of train services and reduced travel times for passengers. Starting next Friday, new electric trains will operate on several lines, marking a new era for train news in the country. The service at Beit Shemesh station will be halted on Friday at 13:00 and on Saturday night according to the ongoing operating schedule, but will resume on Fridays and Saturday nights as part of these changes. One train per hour will run between multiple stations, including Tel Aviv stations, Bnei Brak, Rosh Ha'ayin North, Kfar Saba Nordau, Hod Hasharon Sokolov, Ra'anana, and more. This increased frequency is expected to provide a more reliable and efficient news service for commuters. The resumption of services follows the completion of an electrification project in the western Negev. Immediate travel time reductions of 10-20 minutes to central Israel are expected for passengers, with the published travel time from Sderot to Tel Aviv now 53 minutes (previously 1 hour 6 minutes). Similarly, the travel time from Ofakim to Tel Aviv has been reduced to 70 minutes (previously 1 hour 28 minutes), and the drive from Tel Aviv to Ofakim will take 70 minutes. The drive from Tel Aviv to Sderot will now take 51 minutes, while the drive from Tel Aviv to Netivot will be 61 minutes, with the published travel time from Netivot to Tel Aviv now 63 minutes (previously 1 hour 17 minutes). In addition to these changes, another line will operate between Be'er Sheva and Ofakim, also at one train per hour. Routes on the Binyamina-Rehovot line will be extended, with additional stops added at various stations. However, the stop at Lod Ganei Aviv station on one of the lines will be canceled. The Dan Region will also implement new congestion charges, but further details about this initiative have not been provided. A bill has also been approved to reduce public transit fines, offering some relief to commuters. Lastly, Jerusalem light rail will resume regular operations, providing an alternative mode of transport for those in the capital city. These changes aim to improve the efficiency and reliability of public transport in Israel, making it a more attractive option for commuters and tourists alike. The new electric trains and extended services are expected to revolutionise train news in the country, offering quicker and more frequent journeys for passengers.
