After years of planning and delays - the highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem has departed, and passengers are satisfied • "Now everything is smooth, so we left home a little later and arrived quickly"

After decades of talk, planning, construction and delays, the highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem departed this morning (Sunday), and so far this has been a great success. Passengers are satisfied, the ride is smooth and hassle-free - and even the Internet works almost without disconnections.

Photo: Gil Kramer

400 passengers, many of them soldiers, boarded the train at the defense station in Tel Aviv, on their way to Jerusalem or the airport, with a reduced travel time to 35 minutes, and no traffic jams. "This is a great solution for us," said Sergeant Omri, who serves in the Valley, "instead of shuttles from the center to Jerusalem, get on a train even if you have to pay a little. .

"Some leave a bit later because there is no bus headache anymore," Omri added. "We gained some more sleep on Sunday, but we arrived quickly in Jerusalem and reduced the waiting time for buses leaving the bases."

The drivers themselves also enjoy the new line, and although every hour four trains travel in line - two in each direction, the speed of the train allows them enough time to stop for coffee after each trip. The station workers were not really excited about the historic moment, "Everything is flowing, like every day until now," they said. "Simply the train goes on and does not end at Ben Gurion, it makes all the difference. There are no changes and in the meantime, God bless no travelers' claims so everything is fine. "

The descent of Jerusalem's passengers, whose numbers had diminished - but still almost filled the train - were satisfied. "I work in Tel Aviv. Since the train to Ben Gurion has paid to leave Otto at home," said Yosef Abudi, a resident of Jerusalem, "now that the line continues to Tel Aviv this is excellent for me. Who can reach the car today in half an hour to Tel Aviv. What time would we say with all the waiting and arrival from home to the intelligent station? pleasure. Wherever the afternoon will be a good ride. "

History: The Jerusalem-Tel Aviv train leaves the station // Photo: June Rickner

"True, I have to go to northern Tel Aviv and in the meantime the train ends in defense, but not Nectar," says Sarit, who also waited for the train from Jerusalem. "It saves a lot of time even if I need a taxi inside Tel Aviv." Iris, who traveled to Haifa via Tel Aviv, added: "It is not terrible but I hope there is synchronization. Maximum wait a few minutes, but only we will not miss. Although the train to Haifa will probably be delayed, then we will laugh," she laughed.

Towards the entrance to the Ben Gurion Airport, some passengers were alarmed. The reason: The announcement of the train was a last stop. "Probably someone forgot to update the announcement," said passengers. The train supervisor was quick to calm down. Will be dealt with. The train continues. "