In recent weeks, Israel Railways has begun receiving about 216 new electric scooters (self-propelled train cars) from the Siemens configuration.
These scooters have been upgraded with an emphasis on improving the travel experience, and include, among other things, the replacement of existing tables with large tables, which allow working with two computers at each table, power outlets that also include Type A, USB and Type C sockets, upgrading the seats and adding handholds in the two end cars. In addition, a dedicated bicycle car was added, in which 18 unique docking devices are installed under the folding seats in order to maintain the stability of the bicycle and safety while traveling.
Simulation of the new Krona, photo: Israel Railways
The new scooters will enable Israel Railways to extend the electric trains from six or ten cars currently in operation to 12 cars, with about 1300,<> seats. Israel Railways Director General Shiko Zena said, "The scooters will enable the extension of trains in a way that will improve train occupancy and enable quality train service in the coming years."
The absorption of the new scooters is part of a broad procurement process worth 1.7 billion euros and also includes 96 double-decker cars manufactured by Alstom, alongside the purchase of the electric scooters. "The new cars will enable a more comfortable and friendly ride for the traveling public," said Moshe Ben-Zaken, Director General of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety. "Hopefully, as a result, more citizens will prioritize public transportation over private vehicles."
Simulation of the new Krona, photo: Israel Railways
In addition to receiving the new carriages, the government approved doubling the coastal tracks between Haifa and Tel Aviv. The journey will be shortened to half an hour, and during peak hours a train will leave the station every five minutes. There are currently only about two tracks, which limits the number of trains that can be operated. This leads to congested and crowded trains during peak hours, limited frequency and long journey time.
Simulation of doubling the tracks, photo: Israel Railways
"The vision of 'Connecting Israel' to abolish the periphery is taking shape, and doubling the coastal tracks is a central and vital part of it," said Chairman of the Board of Directors of Israel Railways, Adv. Moshe Shimoni. "Thanks to the project, travel time from the north to the center and all parts of the country will be shortened, new stations will be built, and high-speed trains will be operated. All these will enable rapid and high-quality connection of the various parts of the country, accelerated economic development, employment opportunities, and lowering housing prices."
Israel Railways Director General Shiko Zena also commented on the doubling of the tracks, saying that "connecting the large metropolitan areas through an advanced track boulevard in which high-speed trains reaching up to 250 kilometers per hour will travel is a central link in the strategic development plan of the Ministry of Transport and Israel Railways."
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