Deutsche Bahn has won a tender in Israel, according to which the German company will manage the integration of all the systems in the project. Deutsche Bahn won the tender with an estimated ILS 2.5 billion bid (EUR 580.5 million).
When commissioned, in about six years, Tel Aviv light rail network will definitely change some aspects of Israel’s capital. First of all, the people living in some suburbs will get easier access to Greater Tel Aviv area. Secondly, the future light rail network will improve traffic in the city, a traffic currently suffocated by the large number of automotive vehicles. Thirdly, the price of houses in the areas and districts crossed by the future network will increase considerably.
The project, with all its three lines, is very complex and big and costs are significant, estimated at between ILS 250 and 270 billion (USD 71-77 billion). According to plans advanced by NTA Metropolitan Mass Transit System, the national company in charge with the project, in 2030, Tel Aviv will have to benefit of three light rail lines, all located in the metropolitan area of Greater Tel Aviv, as follows: the Red Line, the Green Line and the Purple Line. The authorities estimate that 600,000 passengers will transit all three rail lines. Moreover, the future light rail network will significantly reduce the time it takes to reach Tel Aviv from adjacent cities.
The authorities in charge with the project want the lines to be operated by foreign companies with at least five years of experience in public transport. Concession contracts will be signed on ten years and the future public transport operators will hold a 51% share in partnership in the line which they will operate.
Works to the 23-km Red Line with 33 stations of which ten in the underground already begun in 2015 and will be completed in 2021. Signalling works will be provided by Alstom.
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