Tel Aviv Light Rail’s First Line Set To Launch After Years Of Delays

I am glad that soon there will be a first step to solving the congestion in [Metropolitan Tel Aviv] when the Red Line will run there,” said Transport Minister Miri Regev in a written statement issued from the Republic Georgia, where she is on an official visit. “If there are no special problems, soon the citizens of Israel will enjoy the line. PHOTO BY URIEL SINAI/GETTY IMAGES 

After years of delays, the Tel Aviv Light Rail (Dankal)’s first line is scheduled to start operating by the end of the month, the Transport Ministry announced Sunday.

The 24-km. (15-mile) Red Line, which connects the coastal city of Bat Yam, just south of Tel Aviv, with Petach Tikvah, east of Tel Aviv, has been green-lighted after all outstanding safety approvals were granted.